June 16, 2006

Panacea Biotec collaborates with NRDC for technology transfer of FMD vaccine

Press release
 

Panacea Biotec, the second largest vaccine producer in India, has announced its collaboration with National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) for in-licensing of technology to produce and market the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine developed by Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).

Explaining about the collaboration, Rajesh Jain, Joint Managing Director, Panacea Biotec said, "This collaboration would significantly enhance Panacea Biotec's position in the field of biotechnology. Under the agreement, Panacea Biotec will in-license the technology for production of the FMD vaccine developed by IVRI, through NRDC."

The Indian government's objective as stated in the Foot and Mouth Disease Control Programme (FMD-CP): "To prevent economic losses due to FMD and to develop herd immunity in cloven-footed animals, Foot and Mouth Disease Control Programme (FMD-CP) is being implemented in 54 specified districts of the country in the first phase with 100 percent central funding for the cost of vaccines, maintenance of cold chain and other logistical support to undertake vaccination. The state governments are providing other infrastructure and manpower. Five rounds of vaccinations will be done during the 10th plan and allocation for this component is Rs2 billion.  Under this programme, vaccinations will be carried out on millions of animals in five rounds."

The latest vaccine technology can replace the Ultra Filtration Method of virus concentration with an alternate technology that can also replace the imported oil adjuvant with the indigenously developed oil adjuvant. Standard tests for toxicity have shown the vaccine to be safe.

NRDC is India's premier technology service enterprise whose business involves being the identifier, carrier and pilot of technology transfer.

Founded in 1889, the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) is one of the premier research institutions dedicated to livestock research and development of the region.

Panacea Biotec is one of India's leading research-based health management companies with established research, manufacturing and marketing capabilities. The company also has collaborations and tie-ups with leading national and international research organisations and corporations.