Covid-19 Vaccine to Be Produced by Serum Institute

Coronavirus Vaccine - Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine maker, is becoming a partner with Oxford University to produce an under-trial Covid-19 vaccine.

The renowned manufacturer of immunobiological drugs aims to have vials ready for utilization by the month of September. Serum Institute has planned to produce 4-5 million doses per month that may scale up to 10 million, depending on the success of trials.

Adar Poonawalla, CEO, Serum Institute of India, said in an interview, “While the clinical trials have already commenced in the UK, we are simultaneously initiating production as well, in the hope that when the trials are successful, we will have the first batch of doses ready for use by September or October."

While the Covid-19 vaccine production will start in May, its distribution will only take place if and when the human trials are successful.

89 companies across the globe are striving to produce the Covid-19 vaccine. It is noteworthy that seven, including the Oxford University candidate, have advanced to human trials or clinical evaluation stage, as per WHO.

Biological E, Bharat Biotech, Zydus Cadila, Serum Institute, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, and Mynvax are local companies trying the production of Covid-19 vaccine.

As of now, the DGCI has approved three applications related to Covid-19. According to the officials, Serum Institute of India will perform three trials in the country so as to check the effectiveness of the vaccine.