Bharat Serums & Vaccines sets up its world class R&D centre in Maharashtra

Mumbai: Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV), a leading biopharmaceutical company in India inaugurated its world class R&D centre at Airoli, Maharashtra at the hands of Mr. Rajesh Tope, Health Minister of the state on January 6, 2022.

The state-of-art R&D centre will endeavor to bring scientifically advanced biological, biotechnology products and novel drug delivery systems that deliver better patient outcomes in Women’s Health, Assisted Reproductive Technology and Critical Care & Emergency Medicines.

Speaking at the occasion, Rajesh Tope, Health Minister, State of Maharashtra said, “We are proud of our home-grown biotechnology leaders such as BSV who have been innovating in Maharashtra for over 50 years and bringing many firsts to India in the biological and biotech product segments. The collaboration demonstrated by BSV during the pandemic, with the manufacturing of Liposomal Amphotericin B, has helped in saving lives and managing the pandemic.  It is also encouraging to hear of BSV’s ongoing COVID-19 Antibody development that will prepare us to fight the future COVID waves, as we continue to meet the unmet healthcare needs of our people.”

He added, “With a renewed focus on strengthening women’s health in Maharashtra, we are proud of BSV’s first in the world Anti-Rho (D) immunoglobulin product that has assisted in safe deliveries and in bringing good health to Rh-negative mothers and new-borns in our state. Looking forward, we would like to build a patient-centred, innovation-driven, robust healthcare ecosystem in Maharashtra where companies such as BSV will be able to innovate and bring scientifically advanced products to India and the world.”

Sanjiv Navangul, Managing Director & CEO, BSV shared, “At BSV, we are driven by our vision of bringing life to life through our pioneering innovations that deliver healthy patient outcomes. Our 100+ scientists at the R&D centre continue to demonstrate our commitment towards Aatmanirbhar Bharath, as we innovate in Maharashtra for India and the world.  BSV’s Anti-Rho (D) immunoglobulin product is the world’s first marketed recombinant Anti-D with patents in India, US, Europe, Australia and Canada. We are the only Indian company to have developed the immunosuppressive Anti-thymocyte globulin and deliver treatments for Neglected Tropical Diseases (snakebites, rabies) that predominantly affect vulnerable populations of India living in rural and remote locations.

Further on, speaking about the Company’s collaboration with Maharashtra State, Navangul added, “Maharashtra accounts for 1,00,000 Rh-negative pregnant mothers annually, of which, 40,000 have benefited from BSV’s Anti-Rho (D) immunoglobulin product. Going ahead we are hopeful that we will be able to bridge the gap and partner with the Maharashtra Government to expand access and serve more needy Rh-negative mothers across our state.  The scientists at BSV have worked tirelessly towards developing Liposomal Amphotericin B for battling Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) during the second wave of COVID-19 and we were able to manufacture close to 24,00,000 vials annualised capacity, at our world-class manufacturing facility at Ambernath to support Maharashtra and rest of India, in our fight against Black Fungus.

Sharing the company’s vision, Navangul added: “BSV’s ongoing COVID-19 Antibody development Phase 1 trial demonstrates our commitment towards delivering probable solutions that can have a positive impact in combating the disease. Housed in one of the most progressive healthcare States of the country, BSV continues to spur R&D innovations, and remains committed in realising the collective vision of a healthier Maharashtra; a healthier India and a healthier World.”

Also present at the event were Vishwanath Swarup, COO, India Business and Dr Jaby Jacob, Head, R&D.