Bavarian Nordic A/S, a worldwide leader in vaccine innovation aimed at improving health and saving lives, has struck a licensing and production deal with Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. (SII) to manufacture its MVA-BN mpox vaccine. This collaboration involves transferring the existing production technology to SII to facilitate supply in India, with SII acquiring the rights to sell and distribute the vaccine domestically. Upon appropriate regulatory approvals, SII will also conduct contract manufacturing for Bavarian Nordic, thus increasing production capacity to ensure global vaccine accessibility during mpox outbreaks.
The licensing agreement is structured around a profit-sharing model without any upfront or milestone payments, with SII taking charge of obtaining and maintaining the necessary regulatory clearances in India. Both parties will handle their respective costs related to the technology transfer.
Bavarian Nordic remains proactive in exploring further collaborations to guarantee widespread access to MVA-BN, including partnerships with local manufacturers in Africa.
According to Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, “Our ongoing goal is to supply high-quality and cost-effective vaccines globally. The recent mpox outbreak highlights the urgent need for a coordinated response. Collaborating with Bavarian Nordic on the MVA-BN mpox vaccine aligns with our shared dedication to safeguarding the vulnerable millions. Leveraging our production might and rapid response abilities, we are committed to enhancing epidemic readiness and broadening access to crucial vaccines, reducing the global mpox impact.”
Paul Chaplin, President & CEO of Bavarian Nordic, remarked: “Initiating this licensing and manufacturing agreement for MVA-BN as an mpox vaccine is a major advance in our mission to broaden vaccine accessibility globally. Although we currently face no production limitations, global manufacturing expansion is crucial to maintain equitable access for all countries. We are excited to collaborate with SII, the largest vaccine maker by volume. We persist in teaming up with partners worldwide to explore additional local manufacturing options to boost vaccine availability.”
Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd. dominates as a global vaccine producer, committed to offering vaccines at affordable prices across the globe. Operating in over 170 nations, including the US, UK, and Europe, SII is recognized as the biggest vaccine manufacturer worldwide. Its extensive facility in Manjri, Pune, boasts a capacity of 4 billion doses annually and has contributed to saving over 30 million lives.
Bavarian Nordic stands as an innovative force in the global vaccine industry, focused on enhancing health outcomes and survival rates. The company supplies mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments to boost public health responses and offer an exemplary range of travel vaccines.