Union minister lauds COVID-19 vaccine production by IIL, BBIL

Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister, Parshottam Rupala hands over COVID-19 drug substance made at IIL to Dr Krishna Ella, CMD, BBIL

Union Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying Minister, Parshottam Rupala lauded the efforts of Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) for their ability to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine drug substance in record time. To date, IIL has already supplied 2 million doses of the drug substance. IIL will produce 3 million doses a month and from December will increase it to 10 million doses. Rupala said that he will extend all possible cooperation to IIL for its future endeavours. He also expressed his support for innovation in research for both human and animal vaccines in the country. He handed over the COVID-19 drug substance made at IIL to Dr Krishna Ella, CMD, BBIL.

Dr VK Paul, Member Niti Aayog said, “ I appreciate team IIL and BBIL for coming together in the interest of the nation to increase COVID-19 vaccine production capacity in the country. I congratulate the IIL team for their technical expertise and for enabling the production of the COVID-19 vaccine at record speed. The augmented capacities in the country will help accelerate vaccination programme in the country”.

Dr Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology, Science and Technology and Chairperson BIRAC, Government of India said, “I congratulate team IIL for the production of COVID-19 drug substance at record speed. This is one of the major achievements for Mission Covid Suraksha initiated by the Government of India under Atmanirbhar Bharat undertaken to augment COVID-19 vaccine capacity in our country. IIL in a short time built capacities which will go a long way in enhancing our vaccine manufacturing capacity for other vaccines also.”

Meenesh Shah, Chairman, IIL and NDDB said, “IIL is truly a “One Health” company that plays a significant role in the Animal and Human Health space. IIL is making a significant contribution to the country by making millions of doses of vaccine for supply to both Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying at an affordable price. It is satisfying that IIL has lived up to the trust placed by the government and in record time has been able to deliver the COVID-19 vaccine drug substance.”

Dr K Anand Kumar, MD, IIL said, “We appreciate and acknowledge constant support received from Niti-Aayog, BIRAC, DBT, Mission Covid Suraksha Team, Central and state drug control authorities. IIL is also developing on a live attenuated COVID-19 vaccine which has many advantages and will be rolled out next year. The animal studies have been completed and the results are very encouraging. Human trials are also expected to start soon.”

“It was essential that both competing organisations come together and support each other to a larger cause of national health. If the Indian companies don’t join hands, then the multinationals will take over the industry,” said Dr Krishna Ella, CMD, BBIL.