Covaxin is a true example of public private partnership: ICMR DG

Mumbai, November 25, 2021:

The development of Covaxin was made possible with the collaboration between Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bharat Biotech and this is a true example of public private partnership, which is marked with trust, transparency and mutual respect, stated Dr Balram Bhargava, director general, ICMR.

Dr Balram Bhargava was speaking on the launch of ‘Going Viral’, a book which is an attempt to take readers through the journey of developing India’s first indigenous Covid-19 vaccine.

'Going Viral' captures first-hand experiences of scientists who worked tirelessly to develop India’s first indigenous Covid-19  vaccine.

Dr Bhargava added that protecting environment will be the key in preventing such pandemics in the future.

"When H1N1 had hit India, vaccines were imported from foreign countries. From importing vaccines to manufacturing our own indigenous vaccine, we have come a long way. Today, our Covid-19 vaccines are being exported to other countries!” added Dr. Randeep Guleria, director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Bharat Biotech has established an excellent track record of innovation with more than 145 global patents, a wide product portfolio of more than 16 vaccines, 4 bio-therapeutics, registrations in more than 123 countries, and the World Health Organization (WHO) pre-qualifications. Located in Genome Valley in Hyderabad, India, a hub for the global biotech industry, Bharat Biotech has built a world-class vaccine & bio-therapeutics, research & product development, Bio-Safety Level 3 manufacturing, and vaccine supply and distribution. It has so far delivered more than 4 billion doses of vaccines worldwide.

The mission of ICMR is to encourage innovations and translation related to diagnostics, treatment, methods/vaccines for prevention.

ICMR, is the apex body in India for the formulation, coordination and promotion of biomedical research, is one of the oldest medical research bodies in the world. ICMR’s research priorities align with the national health priorities. These efforts are undertaken with a view to reduce the total burden of disease and to promote health and well-being of the population. ICMR promotes biomedical research in the country through intramural as well as extramural research. Pharmabiz