Serum Institute of India (SII)

The Serum Institute of India (SII) is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by the number of doses produced and sold globally. Located in Pune, Maharashtra, India, SII was founded in 1966 by Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla with the aim of providing affordable, high-quality vaccines and biopharmaceuticals. The company manufactures a wide range of vaccines for diseases such as polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hib, BCG, r-Hepatitis B, measles, mumps, and rubella, and supplies these vaccines to over 170 countries.

History

Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla established the Serum Institute of India in 1966 with the goal of making life-saving immunobiologicals accessible to the masses. Initially, the company focused on the production of anti-tetanus serum and anti-snake venom serum. In the 1970s, SII expanded its product portfolio to include DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) and MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccines.

Over the years, SII has played a significant role in India’s immunization programs and has contributed to the global fight against infectious diseases. In 2012, the company acquired Bilthoven Biologicals, a Netherlands-based vaccine manufacturer, further expanding its global presence.

Manufacturing Facilities

The Serum Institute of India has state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Pune, India, spread across a 150-acre campus. The company has multiple vaccine production units, each dedicated to specific vaccines and designed to meet international standards of quality and safety. SII’s facilities are WHO-prequalified and have been approved by regulatory authorities from various countries, including the US FDA and EMA.

Research and Development

SII has a strong focus on research and development, constantly working on improving existing vaccines and developing new ones. The company collaborates with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to develop vaccines for emerging infectious diseases.

Some of the notable vaccines developed by SII include:

• Rotavirus vaccine (Rotasiil)
• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (Pneumosil)
• Shigella vaccine (under development)
• Malaria vaccine (under development)

COVID-19 Vaccine Production

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Serum Institute of India played a crucial role in the global supply of COVID-19 vaccines. The company partnered with AstraZeneca and the University of Oxford to manufacture the Covishield vaccine (known as the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine internationally). SII also collaborated with Novavax to produce the Covovax vaccine.

SII committed to producing over 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines for low- and middle-income countries through the COVAX facility, a global initiative aimed at ensuring equitable access to vaccines. The company faced challenges in meeting its production targets due to raw material shortages and export restrictions but continued to play a vital role in the global fight against the pandemic.

Philanthropic Initiatives

The Serum Institute of India and the Poonawalla family are known for their philanthropic efforts. The company has been providing affordable vaccines to developing countries for decades, often at a fraction of the cost charged by other manufacturers. SII has also donated millions of vaccine doses to various countries during public health emergencies.

In 2020, the Poonawalla family pledged £50 million to the University of Oxford for the construction of a new research building named the Poonawalla Vaccines Research Building, which will focus on vaccine research and development.

Awards and Recognition

The Serum Institute of India and its founder, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, have received numerous awards and recognitions for their contributions to global health. Some of these include:

• Padma Shri (2005): India’s fourth-highest civilian award, conferred on Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla for his contributions to the field of medicine.
• Lifetime Achievement Award (2012): Presented to Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla by the All India Management Association (AIMA).
• Vaccine Hero Award (2021): Conferred on Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII, by the World Economic Forum for his role in the production and supply of COVID-19 vaccines.

The Serum Institute of India has been at the forefront of vaccine manufacturing and has played a significant role in improving global health outcomes. With its state-of-the-art facilities, focus on research and development, and commitment to providing affordable vaccines, SII continues to make a positive impact on millions of lives worldwide. The company’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic have further highlighted its importance in the global fight against infectious diseases.