Serum Institute of India joins CEPI Global Network to boost Vaccine Production in Global South
In a significant move to enhance global vaccine production capabilities, the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has become a part of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) Global Network. The collaboration aims to provide affordable vaccines in the Global South during disease outbreaks, as revealed in a statement issued on January 23.
CEPI, focusing on the “100 Days Mission” to swiftly develop vaccines against infectious diseases within three months of a pandemic threat, welcomes SII into its manufacturing network. The Global South, denoting developing and underdeveloped countries worldwide, stands to benefit from this partnership.
The coalition is investing up to $30 million to leverage SII’s proven track record in responding rapidly to infectious disease outbreaks. This collaboration enables CEPI-backed vaccine developers to transfer their technology to SII promptly, facilitating the swift production and equitable distribution of affordable vaccines during epidemics and pandemics.
SII’s CEO, Adar Poonawalla, emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging its manufacturing and rapid response capabilities to strengthen epidemic preparedness and improve access to life-saving vaccines. SII is renowned for manufacturing the Covishield vaccine, the Made in India version of the AstraZeneca vaccine produced in the UK, which played a crucial role in combating COVID-19.
“This collaboration (with CEPI) will enable us to respond more rapidly and equitably to public health disease outbreaks, particularly in Global South countries where access to life-saving vaccines can be limited,” added Poonawalla.
Notably, SII joins the ranks of other vaccine makers in the CEPI network, including Aspen in South Africa, Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal, and Bio Farma in Indonesia, among others. The collaborative efforts aim to strengthen global vaccine preparedness and accessibility, particularly in regions with limited access to crucial vaccines.