Centre Signs PPP With Bharat Biotech For Development Plus Commercial Production Of Intranasal Covid-19 And Malaria Vaccines

The central government has signed a public-private partnership with Bharat Biotech to develop and commercialise the intranasal Covid-19 and malaria vaccines.

These vaccines will be made by the pharmaceutical company’s unit in Odisha named Sapigen Biologix Private Limited.

Bharat Biotech is looking to establish an advanced facility in Bhubaneswar to manufacture the aforementioned two vaccines.

It will then expand their portfolio of products by adding more vaccines.

The company has set a target of producing 100 million doses of the intranasal Covid-19 vaccine by April 2023. It will also manufacture 15 million doses of the said malaria vaccine by the end of April 2025, Financial Express reports.

The intranasal vaccine generates mucosal immune response and thus protects both the upper and lower respiratory systems of a vaccinated individual.

It is believed to be helpful with respect to breaking the cycle of infection and transmission of the virus.

The two vaccines are novel and will be commercially produced for the very first time.

Meanwhile, Bharat Biotech’s co-founder Dr Krishna Ella has also agreed to direct a fund of Rs 200 crore for the development of sustainable startups in India.