0
0
The Serum Institute of India (SII) has entered into a groundbreaking partnership with French pharmaceutical company Valneva SE to manufacture and distribute the world’s first licensed chikungunya vaccine in India and other Asian markets. This collaboration marks a major step in combatting the growing threat of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease that has been wreaking havoc in many parts of the world.
Valneva’s vaccine, currently approved for adults in the United States, Europe, and Canada, has been hailed as the first and only licensed chikungunya vaccine. As regulatory reviews are underway to expand its approval for use in children, this partnership promises to broaden access to a vital public health tool in regions hardest hit by the disease.
India has experienced a severe chikungunya outbreak, with nearly 370,000 cases reported between January 2019 and July 2024. The disease, which causes fever, joint pain, and debilitating symptoms, has placed a considerable burden on healthcare systems across Asia. In response, SII aims to expedite the vaccine’s availability in India and neighboring countries by leveraging its extensive manufacturing capabilities and regional distribution networks.
CEO of SII, Mr. Adar Poonawalla, expressed confidence in the partnership’s potential to address the urgent public health challenge posed by chikungunya. “This collaboration is focused on ensuring that this life-saving vaccine reaches those who need it the most,” Poonawalla said. “We are committed to providing an affordable, accessible solution for low- and middle-income nations, particularly those in Asia that are struggling with rising cases.”
Under the terms of the exclusive license agreement, SII will be responsible for manufacturing the vaccine and seeking the necessary regulatory approvals across India and other key Asian markets. In a bid to ensure equitable access, the partnership will also introduce a profit-sharing model designed to make the vaccine affordable for countries with limited healthcare resources.
This collaboration highlights the global importance of affordable vaccine access, particularly in regions where diseases like chikungunya pose a significant threat to public health. With this vaccine, SII and Valneva are poised to play a pivotal role in combating the spread of chikungunya and improving the quality of life for millions in Asia.
