Serum Institute of India
World's largest vaccine manufacturer
Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. is currently the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally (more than 1.3 billion doses).
For almost four decades, Serum Institute worked in close collaboration with the Dutch bio-engineering and pharmaceutical company Bilthoven Biologicals (formerly the Dutch state-owned research institute RIVM//NVI). This resulted in extensive knowledge exchange, training and technology transfer for the Indian company and led to the development of specific vaccines.
Proactive support
Serum Institute made its first international strategic acquisition, in 2012, when it acquired Bilthoven Biologicals from the Dutch government. The acquisition ensured access to technology and expertise for making the Inactivated Polio Vaccine. This furthered the Serum Institute’s ambition to help achieve the worldwide eradication of Polio, by establishing an important manufacturing base in Europe. It also enhanced Serum Institute’s offerings in the pediatric vaccine segment. On its choice of location, Serum Institute’s Executive Director, Dr. Suresh Jadhav, stated: “The Netherlands being very foreign-investor-friendly, proactive, and supportive in whatever way possible, was a major factor for Serum Institute’s investment in the country.”
Market access
From its European manufacturing facility, the Serum Institute accesses developed markets in Europe and USA for existing and future products currently in the development pipeline. Its focus is on innovative yet cost-effective solutions in new vaccines R&D, so as to address vaccine-related challenges for the benefit of the global population. Dr. Jadhav: “Following our existing long-standing collaboration, the acquisition of the 40-acre Bilthoven Biological facility has further strengthened our position and boosted partnership in Indo-Dutch bilateral relations.”
About Serum Institute of India
Vaccines manufactured by the Serum Institute are accredited by the World Health Organisation, Geneva and are used in around 170 countries across the globe in their national immunization programs, saving millions of lives throughout the world. It is estimated that about 65% of the children in the world receive at least one vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute.
March 2018
