Government lauds Indian Immunologicals Ltd for efforts in producing COVID-19 Drug Substance in record time

Government lauds Indian Immunologicals Ltd for efforts in producing COVID-19 Drug Substance in record time

Hyderabad, September 24, 2021: Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Minister, Shri Parshottam Rupala lauded the efforts of Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), for their ability to roll out Covid-19 vaccine drug substance in record time.

Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) has quickly responded to the nation’s call and the request of Central government, to partner with Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in April 2021 to produce Covaxin drug substance. Due to IIL’s prior experience in producing different type of viral vaccines for human and veterinary use, in a short period of time could upgrade existing facility and execute technology transfer, manufacturing, testing and release of drug substance at lightning speed. Till date IIL have already supplied 2 million doses of dug substance. It is learnt that he Drug substance produced by IIL has already been formulated into vaccines by BBIL and is ready for use. IIL will produce 3 million doses a month and from December will increase it to 10 million doses.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, reiterated “Ek Bharat aur Shresth Bharat” of our beloved Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He told the gathering that it was heartening to see that two competing organizations coming together for a noble cause. He also added that he will extend all possible cooperation to IIL for its future endeavors. He also expressed his support for innovation in research for both human and animal vaccines in the country. He concluded by saying that, under the leadership of Narendra Modi, the dream is to see India leads in vaccine production keep extending helping hand to the world. “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayaas”.  IIL is doing the “Prayaas” which is commendable.

Dr V K Paul, Member Niti Aayog in his message said “I appreciate team IIL and BBIL for coming together in the interest of the nation to increase Covid 19 vaccine production capacity in the country. I congratulate the IIL team for their technical expertise and enabling production of Covid 19 vaccine at record speed. The augmented capacities in the country will help accelerate vaccination program in the country”.

Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Science and Technology and Chairperson BIRAC, Government of India in her message said “I congratulate team IIL for the production of Covid 19 drug substance at record speed. This is one of the major achievement for Mission Covid Suraksha initiated by Government of India under Atmanirbhar Bharat undertaken to augment Covid 19 vaccine capacity in our country. IIL in a short time built capacities which will go a long way in enhancing our vaccine manufacturing capacity for other vaccines also”.

Shri Meenesh Shah, Chairman of IIL and NDDB said that IIL is a truly a “One Health” company that plays a significant role in the Animal and Human Health space. IIL is making a significant contribution to the country by making millions of doses of vaccine for supply to both Ministry of Health and Family welfare and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying at an affordable price. It is satisfying that IIL has lived up to the trust placed by the government and in record time has been able to deliver the Covid 19 vaccine drug substance.

On this occasion, commemorating the successful transfer of Covid-19 drug substance from Indian Immunologicals Limited to BBIL, Shri Parshottam Rupala, Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying handed over the Covid 19 drug substance made at IIL to Dr. Krishna Ella, CMD, BBIL.

Speaking on this occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, MD, IIL said that 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 larger cause in the interest of the nation. We believe our significant contribution will help in the country’s immunization effort to get everyone vaccinated against Covid-19 at the earliest. We appreciate and acknowledge constant support received from by Niti-Aayog, BIRAC, DBT, Mission Covid Suraksha Team, Central and State Drug Control authorities. IIL is also developing on a live attenuated Covid 19 vaccine which has many advantages and will be rolled out next year. The animal studies have been completed and results are very good. Human trials are expected to start soon.

About Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL)

Indian Immunologicals Limited headquartered in Hyderabad, India is one of the largest producers of vaccines in Asia. IIL was setup by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) in 1982. IIL has multiple GMP manufacturing sites and exports to over 50 countries. IIL has a strong R&D pipeline and has launched several animal and human vaccines in the Indian market at affordable prices. IIL specializes in the development of various types of vaccines ranging from inactivated and live viral vaccines, polysaccharide conjugate vaccines, recombinant subunit vaccines, toxoid vaccines, live bacterial vaccines. More details about the company can be viewed on www.indimmune.com.