Serum - Protection from birth onwards
Prof Chris Tang & Dr Hayley Lavender, Dunn School Pathology, University of Oxford lab - Photo Credit University of Oxford
Tuesday, 16 April: Oxford, UK and Delhi, India : In a significant stride towards addressing the challenge of Men-B disease, Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd (SIIPL) and the University of Oxford have formalised a Licence of Technology Agreement negotiated by Oxford University Innovation. This partnership will deliver lifesaving protection against Men-B through the production of a chimeric protein-based vaccine. The agreement underscores the shared institutional commitment to combat disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis and represents a proactive response to overcome the limitations of currently available Men-B vaccines in terms of efficacy, safety, and coverage.
Simon Warner, Head of Licensing & Ventures – Life Sciences, Oxford University Innovation said: "The Men-B vaccine agreement with the Serum Institute of India is another example of vaccine innovation at the University of Oxford. Oxford’s commitment and investment to develop efficacious, deployable vaccines will protect millions of lives and academic licensing and successful commercial partnerships that help solve global health challenges."
Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) poses a formidable threat to children globally, affecting millions and is caused by six serogroups (Men-A, -B, -C, -W, -Y, and -X) of the bacterium. After five years of extensive work, SIIPL and the Oxford team, led by Professor Christoph Tang, at the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology have formulated a quadrivalent vaccine consisting of four chimeric proteins to tackle Men-B. Preliminary results expected later this year indicate that the Oxford-SIIPL protein-based vaccine advances several aspects including improved safety, efficacy, and coverage compared to present-day licensed vaccines.
The ground-breaking MenFive® (Meningococcal ACYWX Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine), developed by SIIPL, builds upon the success of MenAfriVac® in eliminating Men-A disease from sub-Saharan Africa. Discussions are underway to implement MenFive® as a proactive strategy against meningococcal meningitis, further aligning with the WHO's vision of defeating meningitis by 2030.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd (SIIPL) said: This partnership represents a monumental leap forward in our fight against meningitis, ensuring life-saving protection reaches those who need it most.”
This collaboration exemplifies a shared dedication to global health and underscores the importance of accessible vaccines. With long-standing partnerships and ongoing initiatives, our institutions remain steadfast in our shared goals to make a positive impact and reach communities in need worldwide. Together, we are shaping a healthier, safer future for all.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. Media enquiries:
Andrea Stewart, Head of Marketing & Communications, Oxford University Innovation Andrea.Stewart@innovation.ox.ac.uk and Powers Court OUI media team (Sarah Macleod)
oui@powerscourt-group.com
Mayank Sen, media.enquiries@seruminstitute.com and / or
Freuds Serum Institute India team: , SII@freuds.com
2. More background information:
MenFive® programme:
https://www.path.org/our-impact/media-center/multivalent-meningococcal-meningitis-vaccine-from-serum-institute-of-india-achieves-who-prequalification/
Describes the technology of making chimeric vaccines:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-03146-7
Describes the use of genome sequence data which was essential for making decisions about the composition of the vaccine.
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(15)00267-4/fulltext
About the University of Oxford
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About the Serum Institute of India Pvt Ltd (SIIPL)
Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, is a global leader in vaccine manufacturing, dedicated to providing affordable vaccines worldwide. Present across 170+ countries, including the US, UK, and Europe, SII holds the distinction of being the world's largest vaccine manufacturer. SII's multifunctional production and one-of-the-largest facility in Manjri, Pune, with an annual capacity of 4 billion doses, has saved over 30 million lives over the years.
Founded in 1966, SII's primary mission is to produce life-saving immunobiological drugs, with a particular emphasis on affordability and accessibility. Guided by a strong commitment to improving global health, the company has played a pivotal role in reducing the prices of essential vaccines, such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, HIB, BCG, r-Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Notably, they are the manufacturers of 'Pneumosil,' the world's most affordable PCV, and 'Cervavac' the first indigenous qHPV vaccine in India. Moreover, SII has been at the forefront of the global fight against COVID-19, delivering over 2 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine worldwide.
To further expand its global presence and ensure widespread vaccine availability, SII has established Serum Life Sciences Ltd, a subsidiary in the UK. Through relentless pursuit of innovation, SII continues to champion the cause of affordable vaccines, making a positive impact on the lives of millions worldwide. www.seruminstitute.com
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