“Indian vaccine industry has a promising future”

Dr Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech and President, IVMA shares his insights on the industry’s journey so far and the future potential.

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Dr Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech & President, IVMA is well acknowledged as the father of Genome Valley, and is known for his pioneering work and visionary leadership in the Indian biotech industry. Led by Dr Ella, Bharat Biotech has emerged as a global leader with 220 patents, ~20 vaccines, and bio-therapeutics, delivering more than 9 billion doses of lifesaving vaccines across 125 nations.
Dr Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman, Bharat Biotech has recently been elected as the President of Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association (IVMA) for a two-year period from April 2024-2026. In this exclusive interview, Dr Ella shares his insights on the industry’s journey so far and the future potential.

BV LogoCongratulations on taking over as Chairman of the IVMA. What are your immediate priorities for the Indian vaccine industry?
My immediate priorities for IVMA are twofold: first, to identify and target unaddressed disease areas through collaborative research and development, and second, to enhance vaccine coverage across rural and underserved regions.
There is a lot of work to be done in strengthening the industry-academia-skill enrichment. The more we strengthen the ecosystem, combined with startup and industry friendly policies will be a big catalyst in making India a nation of self-reliance.
Furthermore, in addition to the vaccines that are administered through the National Immunization Program, we must focus on diseases that impact the developing nations, and the disease burden like Tuberculosis, Dengue, Zika, Malaria and Chikungunya, which still pose significant health challenges.
By fostering public-private-academia partnerships and leveraging our collective expertise, we aim to develop world-class, affordable, effective and safe vaccines thereby ensuring their widespread availability.
Moreover, we would like the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with other relevant Departments, to classify vaccines as large molecules originating from microorganisms and establish suitable Rules and Regulations accordingly.
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How has the Indian vaccine industry evolved over the years and what do you consider as key milestones for the industry?
The Indian vaccine industry has made remarkable strides over the years. Key milestones include the establishment of robust manufacturing capabilities, achieving self-reliance in vaccine production, and significant contributions to global vaccination programs. The public-private partnership initiatives were equally applaudable that led to accelerating the development of new vaccines. The Universal Immunisation Program was yet another big step in expanding the portfolio of vaccines in improving public health.
The industry’s pivotal role during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the rapid development and distribution of vaccines, backed by remarkable support from the Government highlighted our technological competence, capacity and commitment. Another milestone is the successful eradication of polio, highlighting our ability to tackle complex public health challenges.
Moreover, we emphasise the need to support African nations’ public health vision by IVMA members and also urged to formulate policies and regulations in line with WHO and USFDA, which will help the industry to be not only globally competitive but also fortify India’s vision to boost the level playing field world-over in preventive care.
“IVMA is committed to enhancing India’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities and expanding our global footprint.”
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What are the key challenges in scaling up vaccine production, particularly witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic?
Scaling up vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown exposed several challenges. The primary issues were ensuring consistent raw material availability, supply chain, and the need for rapid technology transfer.
Additionally, maintaining stringent quality control standards while ramping up production was a significant hurdle. These challenges highlighted the importance of having a robust infrastructure to support large-scale vaccine manufacturing. In all these areas, I must admit that India came out triumphantly, by adding new production facilities in record time, leveraging available BSL-3 production facilities, combined with COWIN and the support we received from health agencies and public health workers.
The development of COVAXIN and Covishield was a remarkable example of our nation raising to the cause of public health disruption caused by the pandemic. Technology transfer was also the hallmark of integrating industry collaborative strength.
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How does IVMA support and advocate for vaccine manufacturers in India? How does it work with the Government and regulatory bodies to streamline vaccine approval processes?
IVMA plays a crucial role in supporting vaccine manufacturers by providing a unified platform for advocacy and representation. We actively engage with the government and regulatory bodies to streamline and ensure an efficient and transparent process.
Our goal is to create a conducive environment for innovation and rapid response to public health needs. Most importantly, to strengthen the ecosystem that encompasses, rewarding collaboration between industry, academic, research labs, and skill development agencies as well as Public-Private- Partnerships.
We should consider our regulatory process drawing parallels with international regulators.
We also aim to fortify collaboration between vaccine manufacturers, researchers, and policymakers to accelerate the development of new vaccines and improve production processes. Most importantly aim to help the startups flourish through lending them a voice and raising their concerns to the policy makers.
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What initiatives does IVMA have in place to foster innovation and research in the vaccine industry? How important is a collaboration between academia, industry, and Government in advancing vaccine R&D?
IVMA promotes innovation and research through several initiatives, including funding support, facilitating clinical trials, and encouraging knowledge exchange among members. Collaboration between academia, industry, and government is vital for advancing vaccine R&D. By bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application, we can accelerate the development of groundbreaking vaccines.
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How do IVMA members contribute to addressing vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, and increasing vaccination coverage?
Our members are actively involved in public awareness campaigns to combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. We collaborate with healthcare professionals, community leaders, and the media to disseminate accurate information about the safety and efficacy of vaccines. IVMA also supports initiatives that promote immunization drives, especially in regions with low vaccination coverage. Education and transparent communication are key to building public trust and increasing vaccine uptake.
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How does IVMA support its members in improving supply chain and distribution efficiency in India and globally?
IVMA assists its members in enhancing supply chain and distribution efficiency through training programs, sharing best practices, and fostering partnerships with logistics experts. We focus on adopting advanced technologies and streamlining processes to ensure vaccines reach their destinations promptly and safely. By addressing logistical challenges and improving coordination, we aim to strengthen the vaccine supply chain both within India and globally.
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What measures are in place to ensure the affordability and accessibility of vaccines in India?
Ensuring the affordability and accessibility of vaccines is a top priority for IVMA. We work closely with the Government to make vaccines affordable for all sections of society. By enhancing production efficiencies and reducing costs, we strive to make vaccines accessible to every individual, regardless of their economic status.
“Our goal is to create a conducive environment for innovation and rapid response to public health needs.”
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What was the market size of the Indian vaccine industry during FY 2024 and expected growth in FY25? Which factors will drive this growth?
India is among the Top 12 destinations for biotechnology worldwide and 3rd largest destination for biotechnology in Asia Pacific. India’s BioEconomy has crossed an estimated $130 Bn in the year 2024 and has witnessed a many fold increase in valuation in the past eleven years.
India’s contribution to the biotechnology sector has been transformative, particularly in vaccine development and manufacturing. With over 75 bio-incubators fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, the country has become a hub for biotech research and development. India’s biotechnology sector is poised for significant growth, with expected revenue generation from vaccines alone projected to reach $17 billion by 2025. This remarkable progress highlights India’s pivotal role in addressing global health challenges and advancing the biotech industry on the world stage.
We expect continued robust growth driven by increased demand for routine immunisations, booster doses, and the introduction of new vaccines. Factors such as rising public awareness, government initiatives, and advancements in vaccine technology will further fuel this growth. Additionally, the global focus on pandemic preparedness will contribute to the expanding market.
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What do you see as the future of the vaccine industry in India, and how is IVMA preparing for it?
The future of the vaccine industry in India is promising, with significant potential for growth and innovation. IVMA is preparing by investing in research and development, fostering collaborations, and advocating for supportive policies. We are committed to enhancing India’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities and expanding our global footprint. By staying ahead of emerging health threats and leveraging our strengths, we aim to position India as a truly self-reliant nation and as a leader in the global vaccine landscape.

*This interview was first published in the September 2024 issue of BioVoice eMagazine.