The Serum Institute of India (SII) is joining the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations Network (CEPI), a network of vaccine producers in the Global South to support more rapid, agile and equitable responses to disease outbreaks, the SII said in a joint statement.
CEPI will invest up to $30 million to build upon SII’s capabilities of rapid response to outbreaks by beginning production and equitable distribution of affordable vaccines to affected populations. This would also prompt CEPI-backed vaccine developers to quickly transfer their technology to SII within days or weeks of an outbreak.
To achieve the 100 Days Mission to develop new vaccines against known or novel infectious diseases, the SII’s addition to the CEPI manufacturing network will provide a significant boost to vaccine production efforts. The inclusion of SII will ensure that new vaccines against known or novel infectious diseases are developed within three months of a pandemic threat being recognised.
Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI said, “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.”
“Living in an era of heightened epidemic and pandemic risk, evidenced by the increasing prevalence, speed, and spread of outbreaks of infectious disease, we must prepare to confront these threats head-on to avoid another COVID-like catastrophe in the future.”
The manufacturing network formed by CEPI aims to focus on vaccine makers in the Global South near areas at high risk of outbreaks caused by deadly viral threats like Lassa Fever, Nipah, Disease X and other pathogens with epidemic and pandemic potential.
In case of an outbreak, SII 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 – a goal created by CEPI and embraced by the G7, G20 and industry leaders – and could help stop a future pandemic in its tracks,” CEPI said in a statement.
Additionally, with CEPI’s funding, SII will also support the development, stockpiling and licensure of new vaccines against CEPI’s priority pathogens. The two entities are still exploring which CEPI-backed vaccines SII will support.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India says, “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.”
“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.
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