Serum Institute of India and CEPI Collaborate for Rapid Vaccine Response

In a significant move to strengthen global preparedness for future public health disease outbreaks, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has joined the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) network of vaccine producers. This collaboration aims to ensure rapid, agile, and equitable responses to emerging disease threats.

Representative image

CEPI's Investment in SII

As part of this partnership, CEPI will invest up to USD 30 million in SII. This investment will leverage SII's proven track record in responding swiftly to infectious disease outbreaks. The funding will expand SII's capacity to rapidly supply investigational vaccines during epidemics and pandemics.

Facilitating Technology Transfer and Vaccine Distribution

The collaboration between CEPI and SII will enable CEPI-backed vaccine developers to swiftly transfer their technology to SII within days or weeks of an outbreak. This streamlined process will allow for the rapid production and equitable distribution of affordable vaccines to affected populations, particularly in regions where access to life-saving vaccines is limited.

SII's Commitment to Global Health

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in addressing global health challenges. He stated, "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."

Supporting CEPI's Priority Pathogens

With CEPI's funding, SII will support the development, stockpiling, and licensure of new vaccines against CEPI's priority pathogens. The Pune-based firm will collaborate with CEPI to identify and prioritize the CEPI-backed vaccines that SII will support.

Addressing Epidemic and Pandemic Risks

CEPI CEO Richard Hatchett highlighted the urgency of preparing for future disease outbreaks, given the increasing prevalence and speed of infectious disease spread. He stated, "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."

SII Joins CEPI's Global Manufacturing Network

With this partnership, 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. This network plays a crucial role in ensuring the rapid production and distribution of vaccines during public health emergencies.

About CEPI

CEPI is a global partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil organizations. Launched in Davos in 2017, CEPI's mission is to accelerate the development and availability of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases and enable equitable access to these vaccines for people worldwide.