In an attempt to tackle (and hopefully defeat) the Coronavirus, India has pledged to manufacture at least one billion additional COVID-19 vaccine doses by the end of 2022. This is a joint initiative with the United States, Japan, and Australia.
The Hyderabad-based Biological E, currently headed by Mahima Gupta (MD and CEO of the company), will fulfil India’s commitment of the billion vaccine doses.
“The Quad is committed to delivering up to one billion doses to ASEAN, the Indo-Pacific and beyond by the end of 2022,” Joe Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, told a portal.
Biological E is the world’s largest producer of Tetanus vaccine and the leading supplier of snake anti-venom in India. As per reports, it kick-started business in 1953, and is the country’s first private company to enter the vaccine business in 1962.
It has also been reported that vaccine manufacturing will be financially backed by Japan and the US International Development Finance Corporation, which provides funding for projects in developing countries.
Furthermore, Australia will contribute another US$77 million, over and above their earlier commitment of US$407 million, to ensure vaccines are not only delivered, but also administered in Southeast Asia, as per the White House.
*Pictures for representational purposes only.