“We plan to soon launch Dengue Antisera & region-specific anti-venoms”

VINS Bioproducts Limited is a leading producer of immunoglobulins and actively involved in developing life-saving antisera against snake and scorpion bites; tetanus, diphtheria, and gangrene antitoxins; and rabies immunoglobulins. The company, with its two state-of-art manufacturing facilities and a 150-acre equine farm, supplies its products to over 70 countries spread across Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, Australia and North and South America.

In an exclusive interview, Siddharth Daga, Managing Director, VINS Bioproducts shared his views on his company’s operations, product portfolio, latest industry trends and outlook.

Key milestones achieved by VINS Bioproducts during its 27 years long journey of manufacturing snake anti-venom?

We established VINS Bioproducts in 1997, and since then we have been actively involved in developing life-saving antisera against snake bites. We have developed a wide range of snake anti-venoms which treats patients and helps them survive against cosmopolitan snake species as well as endemic snake species which are native to a defined geographic location. As a global leader, we have achieved several significant milestones and firsts in our crusade to save lives.

In 2000, VINS Bioproducts launched its first polyvalent snake anti-venom, offering broad-spectrum coverage against the bites of multiple venomous snake species prevalent in India. Not the one to rest on its laurels, the compnay also at the forefront to fight the deadly menace in Africa. Tailored to address the specific needs of African countries, we launched AFRIVEN provide protection against bites from 20 different African snake species. We also launched MENAVEN, a snake anti-venom for the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region and which is designed to counteract venom from snakes commonly found in the Middle East.

Our journey highlights a steadfast commitment to innovation, quality, and public health. Today, their product range includes snake anti-venom for snake species found across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal as well as Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia.

With new technology advancements, how have the trends shaped up in this segment in the last one decade?

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are about 1.8 to 2.7 million snake bites annually, resulting in 81,000 to 138,000 deaths per year. We are also seeing rising incidences which are often linked to factors such as population growth, agricultural expansion, and environmental changes. In keeping with the rising incidences of snake envenomation, we have also seen significant advancements driven by new technologies.

Modern anti-venoms are designed with greater specificity to target the venom of particular snake species more effectively. This has been made possible through better understanding of snake venom composition and the use of advanced proteomics and genomic tools to identify and isolate key venom components.

There has also been a push towards developing anti-venoms tailored to regional snake species. This is crucial because the types of venomous snakes vary significantly by region, and a one-size-fits-all approach is not always effective. Technology has also enabled new delivery systems and formulations are being explored to improve the stability and administration of anti-venoms. Advances in diagnostics are aiding in the rapid identification of the snake species involved in a bite, which is crucial for administering the correct anti-venom.

These technological advancements have collectively improved the safety, efficacy, and accessibility of snake anti-venoms, contributing significantly to better management and treatment of snake bites globally.

Unique products in the company’s portfolio and their impact on public health?

VINS Bioproducts’ portfolio includes several unique products that have significantly affected public health, particularly in regions heavily affected by venomous bites and stings. Our flagship product, Polyvalent Snake anti-venom offers broad-spectrum coverage against the bites of multiple venomous snake species prevalent in India. Another product, African Antisera is tailored to address the specific needs of African countries, these antisera provide protection against bites from 20 different African snake species.

MENAVEN (or BIOSNAKE) was launched for the MENA region, this snake venom antitoxin is designed to counteract venom from snakes commonly found in the Middle East and North Africa. MENASCORP anti-scorpion venom product addresses a critical need in the MENA region, where scorpion stings are a major public health concern.

In collaboration with the University of Hyderabad (UoH) and CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB), VINS developed India’s first antidote and potential cure against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Vinrab  is a sterile non-pyrogenic solution for intra muscular administration. Used against the rabies virus and is administered alongside rabies vaccine to provide immediate passive immunity.

Diphtheria antitoxin is prepared with diphtheria toxin/toxoid. Plasma obtained from hyperimmunised Equines which is rich in antibodies to diphtheria toxin is enzymatically refined, purified and concentrated. The antitoxin has specific ability of neutralizing toxin by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, the causative organism of diphtheria.

Tetanus antitoxin is prepared by hyper immunising horses with Tetanus toxoid. The Tetanus antitoxin has the specific antitoxic immunoglobulins which neutralize the toxin formed by Clostridium tetani the causative organism of Tetanus infection.

The company is currently developing Dengue Antisera and region-specific anti-venoms for both India and international markets.

What role does innovation play at VINS Bioproducts, and can you share any recent advancements or breakthroughs from your R&D team?

VINS Bioproducts places strong emphasis on innovation to enhance the efficacy, safety, and accessibility of its products. As a global leader and a key player in the market, VINS Bioproducts prioritizes research and development (R&D) to create cutting-edge therapeutic solutions. The company’s innovative approach encompasses the development of high-quality antivenoms and immunoglobulins, addressing critical needs.

Recent advancements from VINS Bioproducts’ R&D team highlight their commitment to innovation. VINCOV-19 is one such advancement. VINCOV-19 is an Equine Anti Covid Antibody Fragments F(ab’)2 for passive immunotherapy for the SARS-Cov-2.

Another first for the industry is VINS Bioproducts’ exploration of NeuroSAFE, a cruelty free workstation solution that combines human induced pluripotent stem cell technology and modern robotic process automation. This is being seen as a path breaking development and will be a trendsetter for adoption of cruelty free testing practices going forward.

These innovations not only demonstrate VINS Bioproducts’ dedication to scientific excellence but also underscore their initiative-taking approach to addressing global health challenges. By continuously investing in advanced technologies and novel methodologies, VINS Bioproducts solidifies its position as a pioneer in the industry, committed to improving the quality of life for patients worldwide.

How does the company ensure compliance with global quality and safety standards?

VINS Bioproducts ensures compliance with global quality and safety standards through a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach, incorporating stringent regulatory adherence, robust quality management systems, and continuous improvement practices.

The company meticulously follows guidelines set by international regulatory bodies and national regulatory bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) – PQ PIC/S, Drugs & Cosmetics Act, Schedule-M, and WHO-GMP and includes supporting compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). These standards ensure that products are consistently produced and controlled to the highest quality standards.

The company employs a rigorous Quality Management System that covers all aspects of product development, manufacturing, and distribution. This system includes standard operating procedures (SOPs), comprehensive documentation, and regular internal and external audits. By systematically checking each step of the production process, VINS Bioproducts ensures that their products meet predefined quality criteria and regulatory requirements.

Continuous training programs are conducted for all employees to keep them updated with the latest industry standards and regulatory requirements. This ensures that the workforce is knowledgeable and capable of keeping high-quality and safety standards.

VINS cultivates fodder for their equines in-house, ensuring each animal receives the utmost care. Their regimen includes proper medication and regular exercise. The equines’ nutrition is derived from hydroponic fodder, which VINS also grows on-site.

Key priorities and upcoming plans for VINS Bioproducts in the next few years?

 While specific upcoming plans for the company might not be publicly detailed, the general priorities include expanding the range of anti-venoms to cover more snake species and venom types. This involves developing new products and improving existing ones to address a wider variety of venomous bites.

Another focus area, as venomous bites assume alarming proportions, is to ensure that anti-venoms are accessible and affordable, particularly in low-resource and rural areas, is a significant priority. This involves exploring ways to reduce costs and improve distribution networks to reach underserved populations.

VINS Bioproducts continues to ensure compliance with global regulatory standards and keeping high-quality assurance practices is a continuous priority. This includes meeting the requirements for safety, efficacy, and ethical standards in anti-venom production.