Serum - Protection from birth onwards
3 February 2025, Bilthoven, The Netherlands - Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio- a Cyrus Poonawalla Group company), a leading end-to-end manufacturer of viral and bacterial vaccines, has officially inaugurated its pandemic preparedness vaccine facilities. These facilities were established under the EU pandemic preparedness project, EU FAB. The inauguration was attended by Mr. Laurent Muschel, Director General of HERA at the European Commission, and Mr. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India.
This project aims to ensure vaccine accessibility for Europe in the event of a pandemic. Integrated within BBio’s existing end-to-end vaccine operations, these new facilities will have the capacity to produce more than 300 million doses annually during public health emergencies.
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Laurent Muschel emphasized the importance of such facilities in preparing for future pandemics. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in the healthcare system, which “ever-warm” production capacity will help address. To symbolize the spirit of collaboration that led to the success of this project, attendees participated in assembling a puzzle. The final pieces were placed by Mr. Adar Poonawalla, Mr. Laurent Muschel, Mr. Hans Schikan (former Special Envoy for Vaccines), and Mr. Jurgen Kwik (CEO of Bilthoven Biologicals).
Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India said, "As a leading vaccine manufacturer, we are committed to strengthening epidemic preparedness and expanding access to life-saving vaccines for those in need. The opening of these state-of-the-art facilities marks a significant milestone, reinforcing our commitment to global health security and rapid response in providing effective and accessible vaccines in times of pressing health needs and urgency. These new facilities will enable us to maintain agile and sufficient manufacturing capacities for viral vector vaccines, revolutionizing pandemic response efforts. Furthermore, the world would no longer have to wait for getting access to critical vaccines. As we embark on the mission to safeguard global health, we remain committed to make a positive impact in communities worldwide”.
The newly inaugurated pandemic facilities, which include a multiproduct viral vector vaccine production plant and a filling line, were constructed in just 12 months through close collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, BBio’s sister company within the Cyrus Poonawalla Group.
These facilities will enable partnerships with other vaccine manufacturers, maintaining “ever-warm” production capabilities even during non-pandemic periods. This will enhance vaccine development and manufacturing in Europe, reinforcing the continent’s independence in responding to future pandemics.
ENDS
About BBio
BBio is a Netherlands-based end-to-end vaccine manufacturer of viral and bacterial vaccines, with its facilities in Bilthoven - Utrecht Science Park Bilthoven. A carve-out of the former Netherlands Vaccine Institute, it was acquired by Serum Institute of India in 2012.
The company has a long-standing track record in supplying vaccines to European markets and works with global health partners such as UNICEF, PAHO, and WHO & /GAVI. With the manufacturing of polio vaccines, BBio is key contributor to the worldwide program for polio eradication. BBio is part of the EU funded pandemic preparedness program, having ever-warm vaccine manufacturing facilities. Together with SII, BBio offers its unmatched end-to-end vaccine capabilities to vaccine developers and innovators, making affordable vaccines and therapies available worldwide.
www.bbio.nl
About Serum Institute of India
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. SIIPL's multifunctional production and one-of-the-largest facility in Manjari, Pune, with an annual capacity of 4 billion doses, has saved over 30 million lives over the years.
Founded in 1966, SIIPL'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 'Pneumosiil,' the world's most affordable PCV, 'Cervavac' the first indigenous qHPV vaccine in India, and R21/Matrix-M™, the second Malaria vaccine to be authorized for use in children in malaria-endemic regions, ‘MenFive’, the first in the world Pentavalent (ACYWX) Meningococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine, approved and WHO-prequalified for use in the pediatric population. Moreover, SIIPL 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
Media Contact
Serum Institute of India
Mayank Sen
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