Bharat Biotech, Serum Institute’s Dutch subsidiary join hands for oral polio vaccines

Vaccines manufacturer Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) has announced a collaboration with the Netherlands-based Bilthoven Biologicals B.V. (BBio), a subsidiary of Serum Institute of India Private Limited, to further strengthen the production and supply of oral polio vaccines (OPV). 

Under this agreement, BBIL will procure drug substances manufactured in the Netherlands at Bilthoven Biologicals to produce oral polio vaccines and supply them within India and on a global scale. 

Serum India said that both companies will jointly obtain the regulatory approvals and licenses necessary for the commercial manufacturing of OPVs.

The financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

“We are delighted to join forces with Bharat Biotech to reinforce the global supply of polio vaccines,” Adar Poonawalla, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Serum Institute of India, said.

Dr. Krishna Ella, executive chairman of Bharat Biotech, said, “This collaboration between BBIL and BBio exemplifies cooperation between vaccine companies, ensuring a secure supply of oral polio vaccines and fortifies the nation’s mission to eradicate polio.”

Serum Institute of India acquired Bilthoven Biologicals, a bio-engineering and pharmaceutical company, from the Netherlands government in 2012. 

This acquisition enabled Serum Institute to access technology and expertise for making the IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine, Salk) earlier possessed by only three other vaccine manufacturers. 

The company provides a substantial European manufacturing base with access to strategic European markets for Serum Institute.