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The Transformative Power of Vaccines, Biotechnology, And Partnerships

By Suchitra Ella, Managing Director, Bharat Biotech International Ltd,

Added 22 January 2024

From developing indigenous vaccines and biotherapeutics to forging strategic partnerships - the article shines the spotlight on Bharat Biotech International Ltd.’s contribution towards the ‘Make in India’ initiative and their role in the growth of the healthcare sector

Make in India, launched in 2014 by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi has proven to be a game-changer for the Indian economy. The campaign aimed to transform the country into a global manufacturing hub, attracting foreign investments, boosting job creation, and promoting innovation. With a focus on key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, ‘Make in India' aimed to harness India's potential and propel its growth on the world stage.

The biotech and pharma industries have been at the forefront of this growth story, contributing significantly to India's GDP and export earnings. The success of Make in India in these sectors can be attributed to organisations like Bharat Biotech, which have driven innovation, research, and manufacturing capabilities across the country.

The role of Bharat Biotech in the Make in India initiative

Bharat Biotech, a leading Indian biotechnology company, has been instrumental in the success of Make in India. With a strong focus on research, development, and manufacturing, Bharat Biotech has been at the forefront of developing indigenous vaccines and biotherapeutics, contributing to the country's self-reliance in the healthcare sector, with focus on ‘Innovate in India,' and ‘Develop in India.'

The company's commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence has not only led to breakthroughs in vaccine development but has also positioned India as a global player in the biotech industry. Bharat Biotech's state-of-the-art facilities in Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, along with its new facilities in Odisha and worldclass research centres in Hyderabad, are symbols of India's biotech capabilities.

Clinical research has been another monumental area where the company's prowess shines through. ROTAVAC®, a product developed with more than 20 years of pioneering research & development, and first efficacy trial in India with 6,000 subjects, was launched by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, in 2014. The results of this trial were published in journals such as The Lancet and Vaccine. This trial was followed by the largest-ever human trials for India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine, COVAXIN®, with a record-breaking 26,000 subjects across 25 sites in India.

Vaccine development as a key contributor to Make in India for the world

Bharat Biotech's achievements in this field have been nothing short of remarkable, playing a pioneering role in the creation of Genome Valley, the largest cluster of biotech and therapeutic industries in Hyderabad.

Through its robust R&D efforts, Bharat Biotech has not only developed vaccines for diseases like COVID-19 but has also contributed to the eradication of diseases like polio, prevention of Rotaviral Diarrhoea, Typhoid, Hepatitis-B, and Japanese Encephalitis, Rabies by partaking in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) through its vaccine innovations ROTAVAC®, TYPBAR TCV®, JENVAC®, and CHIRORAB®.

The manufacturing capabilities of Bharat Biotech have enabled India to become self-reliant in vaccine production, reducing its dependence on imports and ensuring access to affordable vaccines for the Indian population. The BSL-3 production facility in Hyderabad, the only oneof-its-kind in the world, is another remarkable vision-to-reality story.

Advancements of Bharat Biotech in biotechnology and its impact on Make in India

Advancements in biotechnology have revolutionised various sectors - including agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing. Bharat Biotech has been at the forefront of these advancements, leveraging biotechnology to develop innovative solutions that address critical healthcare challenges.

By investing in research and development, Bharat Biotech has paved the way for the development and production of cutting-edge biotech products and therapies, contributing to India's journey towards self-reliance and global recognition. The most notable is the development of the JENVAC® vaccine, which helped India reduce its dependence on the import of the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccines.

Collaboration and partnerships in the biotech industry: a driving force for Make in India

Bharat Biotech has actively sought strategic alliances with global partners, fostering knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and joint research initiatives. These collaborations have not only accelerated the pace of innovation but have also facilitated access to international markets for Indian biotech companies to realise Make in India for the world.

Among the notable collaborations are the ones with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), Gavi, PATH, and WHO. By leveraging the expertise and resources of global partners, Bharat Biotech has been able to enhance its research capabilities, expedite regulatory approvals, and expand its manufacturing capacities.

 

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