Govt lauds Indian Immunologicals for producing Covid-19 vaccine drug substance in record time

IL quickly responded to the nation’s call and the request of the Central Government, to partner with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in April 2021 to produce a Covaxin drug substance.

Hyderabad: Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying minister Parshottam Rupala lauded the efforts of Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) for its ability to roll out Covid-19 vaccine drug substance in record time.

IIL quickly responded to the nation’s call and the request of the Central Government, to partner with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in April 2021 to produce a Covaxin drug substance. Due to IIL’s prior experience in producing different types of viral vaccines for human and veterinary use, the company in a short period of time could upgrade the existing facility and execute technology transfer, manufacturing, testing, and release of drug substances at lightning speed.

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To date, IIL has supplied two million doses of the drug substance. The drug substance produced by IIL has already been formulated into vaccines by BBIL and is ready for use. IIL will produce three million doses a month and from December, it will increase it to 10 million doses.

Addressing the gathering, Parshottam Rupala, minister, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying said it was heartening to see that two competing organisations came together for a noble cause. He also added that he will extend all possible cooperation to IIL for its future endeavours. He also expressed his support for innovation in research for both human and animal vaccines in the country.

Chairman of IIL and NDDB, Meenesh Shah, said, “IIL is making a significant contribution to the country by making millions of doses of vaccine for supply to both the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying at an affordable price.”

Speaking on this occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, MD, IIL said, “The production and delivery of Covid-19 drug substance in record time is a testament to IIL’s technical expertise, adaptability, state-of-art manufacturing capability, resilience, and above all a commitment to the larger cause in the interest of the nation. We believe our significant contribution will help in the country’s immunisation effort to get everyone vaccinated against Covid-19 at the earliest.”

“IIL is also developing a live attenuated Covid-19 vaccine which has many advantages and will be rolled out next year. The animal studies have been completed and the results are very encouraging. Human trials are also expected to start soon,” he added.  

“It was essential that both competing organisations come together and support each other to a larger cause of national health. If the Indian companies don’t join hands, then the multinationals will take over the industry,” said Dr Krishna Ella, CMD, BBIL.

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