CEPI is investing up to $30 million to help SII expand its existing ability to swiftly supply investigational vaccines in the face of epidemic and pandemic threats. With CEPI’s funding, SII will also support the development, stockpiling and licensure of new vaccines against CEPI’s priority pathogens.
CEPI and SII said they are exploring which CEPI-backed vaccines SII will support.
SII becomes the fourth member of CEPI’s global manufacturing network. Other members include Aspen in South Africa, Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Senegal, and Bio Farma in Indonesia.
The member of CEPI network of vaccine makers, in the event of an outbreak may be called upon to promptly supply investigational vaccines for preclinical and clinical testing as well as large-scale supply. Shortening the time taken to manufacture and validate the first batches of experimental vaccines, will be key to enabling a response to an escalating outbreak within just 100 days
“The addition of SII to the CEPI manufacturing network will be a significant boost to vaccine production efforts in Global South regions and will mean the world is better prepared to achieve the 100 Days Mission to develop new vaccines against known or novel infectious diseases within three months of a pandemic threat being recognised,” CEPI and SII said in a statement.“As part of CEPI’s global manufacturing network, SII’s world-renowned manufacturing and rapid response capabilities are poised to play a critical role in enabling swift and equitable access to affordable outbreak vaccines for the Global South,” said Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI.”As a leading vaccine manufacturer, we’re committed to utilizing our well-established manufacturing and rapid response capabilities to strengthen epidemic preparedness and increase access to life-saving vaccines for those who need them most at an affordable price,” said Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII.
“This collaboration will enable us to respond more rapidly and equitably to public health disease outbreaks, particularly in Global South countries where access to life-saving vaccines can be limited,” Poonawalla added.
SII is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer supplying vaccines to over 170 countries including US, UK and Europe. SII’s multifunctional production and one-of-the-largest facility in Manjri, Pune, with an annual capacity of 4 billion doses.
