Bilthoven Biologicals recently has officially inaugurated its pandemic preparedness vaccine facilities. These facilities were established under the EU pandemic preparedness project, EU FAB. The inauguration was attended by Mr. Laurent Muschel, Director General of HERA at the European Commission, and Mr. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India.
This project aims to ensure vaccine accessibility for Europe in the event of a pandemic. The new facilities will have the capacity to produce more than 300 million doses annually during public health emergencies. They are integrated within Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio) existing end-to-end vaccine operations. BBio is a Netherlands-based end-to-end vaccine manufacturer of viral and bacterial vaccines, with its facilities in Bilthoven. It was acquired by Serum Institute of India (part of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group company ) in 2012 a a carve-out of the former Netherlands Vaccine Institute. Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, is a global leader in vaccine manufacturing, dedicated to providing affordable vaccines worldwide.
Future pandemics
During the opening ceremony, Mr. Laurent Muschel emphasized the importance of such facilities in preparing for future pandemics. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in the healthcare system, which “ever-warm” production capacity will help address. To symbolize the spirit of collaboration that led to the success of this project, attendees participated in assembling a puzzle. The final pieces were placed by Mr. Adar Poonawalla, Mr. Laurent Muschel, Mr. Hans Schikan (former Special Envoy for Vaccines), and Mr. Jurgen Kwik (CEO of Bilthoven Biologicals).
Viral vector vaccine production and filling line
The newly inaugurated pandemic facilities were constructed in just 12 months through close collaboration with the Serum Institute of India, BBio’s sister company within the Cyrus Poonawalla Group. The facilities will include a multiproduct viral vector vaccine production plant and a filling line. They will enable partnerships with other vaccine manufacturers, maintaining “ever-warm” production capabilities even during non-pandemic periods. This will enhance vaccine development and manufacturing in Europe, reinforcing the continent’s independence in responding to future pandemics.
The new state-of-the-art facilities at BBio have received approval from European Commission EU FAB and ensures vaccine accessibility for Europe in the event of a pandemic situation