U.S. Delegation visits Serum Institute of India

(L-R) Dr. James F. Young, Chairman, Board of Directors, Novavax; Mr. Stanley C. Erck, President & CEO, Novavax; U.S. Mission Chargé d'Affaires, Patricia Lacina; Mr. Adar Poonawalla, CEO, SII; Mr. Mike Hankey, U.S. Consul General in Mumbai and Dr. Preetha Rajaraman, HHS Health Attaché

Pune, 17 August 2022 - Highlighting 75 years of U.S.-India bilateral relationship and their cooperation on health issues, a delegation from the United States visited the Serum Institute of India (SII) in Pune today and noted the critical role played by U.S.-India cooperation in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health challenges.
Recognizing India’s partnership and commitment to the world during the pandemic, the event was a celebration of the long-standing relationship in health between the two countries.

The delegation included U.S. Mission Chargé d'Affaires, Patricia Lacina, U.S. Consul General in Mumbai Mike Hankey, Dr. Preetha Rajaraman, HHS Health Attaché, and FDA Country Director Dr. Sarah McMullen. The delegation met with Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman & MD, SII, Mr. Adar Poonawalla, CEO, SII, Mr. Stanley C. Erck, President & CEO, Novavax and Dr. James F. Young, Chairman, Board of Directors, Novavax.

The event also highlighted the partnership between Novavax and SII on vaccine manufacturing, which was recognized for its contribution to increasing global access to effective and affordable COVID-19 vaccines. Novavax and SII are key partners in the manufacturing of Novavax’ vaccine, marketed by Novavax as Nuvaxovid™ and by SII as Covovax™.

SII CEO, Adar Poonawalla and U.S. Mission Chargé d'Affaires, Patricia Lacina

In a statement, US Mission Chargé d'Affaires Patricia Lacina said, "The long-standing relationship in health between the United States and India has had a profound impact on the lives of people across both countries and globally. The partnership is vital in addressing the challenges of our times. The public-private economic partnership between both countries plays a key role in ensuring the health and prosperity of our people."
"I am delighted to be in Pune and visit the Serum Institute of India, which has helped save lives around the world during the pandemic," she added.

CEO of Serum Institute of India, Adar Poonawalla said, "The US and India have been close allies for the longest time. Together, they have created several milestones that have benefitted the citizens and the world, at large."
"The strong cooperation between both the countries on global vaccination and pandemic relief has been inspiring," he said, adding "that in order to keep the growth curve upward and onwards, we will continue to play our role sincerely."

“India has played a crucially important role during the devastating pandemic. As it emerges as one of the fastest growing large economies in the world, it will continue to have a powerful impact on all fronts,” said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. “The US-India ties are even stronger than before and aligned in values and vision. Novavax and Serum Institute of India are committed to growing these partnerships to leverage our collective dedication, ingenuity, and expertise to protect the health of people everywhere.”