In order to boost the production of Covaxin, Indian Immunologicals recently handed over the first batch of the vaccine’s drug substance to Bharat Biotech. The batches produced at Indian Immunological’s manufacturing facility have been tested at Bharat Biotech and Indian Immunologicals, and meet the quality specifications for the drug substance. The yields are more than expected, Indian Immunologicals said in a statement.
In a simple handing over function, Dr K Anand Kumar, MD, Indian Immunologicals, handed over the first lot of Covaxin drug substance to Dr Krishna Ella, CMD, Bharat Biotech on 13th August, 2021.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr Kumar said, “This is team India at work. It could not have been possible without the coming together of several stakeholders to achieve a common goal. Our capable and competent team worked tirelessly round the clock to ensure that the committed timelines and product quality are met. It is a proud moment for IIL to have played a vital role in supporting our nation’s interest during this unprecedented time. This would have not been possible without the constant support provided by Niti Aayog, BIRAC, DBT, Mission COVID Suraksha Team, and central and state drug control authorities.”
Adding to it, Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Chairperson, Biotechnology Industrial Research and Assistance Council (BIRAC), said, ‘’The government has worked relentlessly to provide all possible support for ramping up Covaxin production in the country and speed up its inoculation drive. The loan license agreement by CDSCO for Indian Immunologicals to produce Covaxin drug substance is a major milestone, achieved in a short span of time. The DBT-BIRAC support under Mission COVID Suraksha aims to meet the COVID-19 vaccine requirement of our country.”
“IIL is also working on another COVID -19 vaccine and the animal trials are underway currently and is expected to come out by next year for human vaccination,” Dr Kumar further added.