Odisha, 19th January, 2025: The President of Singapore, His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, recently visited Sapigen Biologix’s state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility in Odisha, India, which is set to produce three vital vaccines aimed at addressing global health challenges. During the visit, the President commended the facility’s potential to contribute significantly to global healthcare.
The mega-plant, one of the largest of its kind, will produce the world’s second oral cholera vaccine, Hillchol (BBV131), the world’s first licensed malaria vaccine RTS,S, and the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). The production of these vaccines is expected to help combat pressing health issues such as cholera, malaria, and polio, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Sapigen Biologix and Bharat Biotech, expressed his pride in the facility, emphasizing its role in strengthening India’s vaccine production capacity and enhancing global health security. “This facility will not only supply vaccines globally but also support India’s self-reliance in healthcare, helping to address critical shortages in the supply of vaccines worldwide,” said Dr. Ella.
The plant, located in the Odisha Biotech Park in Andharua, Bhubaneswar, is a symbol of India’s growing leadership in biotechnology. It represents an investment of Rs 1,500 crore and is set to create over 2,000 direct and 1,500 indirect jobs, further contributing to the region’s economic development. Dr. Suchitra Ella, Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, highlighted that this project will also stimulate the growth of knowledge-based industries in eastern India, diversifying the country’s biotech landscape beyond its established hubs in the south and west.
Speaking at the plant, Dr. Raches Ella, Managing Director of Sapigen Biologix, underlined the global significance of the project. “This facility will not only produce life-saving vaccines but also nurture local talent and provide sustainable healthcare solutions to communities across the world,” she stated.
The visit of Singapore’s President, along with a high-level delegation, marks an important moment in the strengthening of bilateral ties between Singapore and India, commemorating 60 years of diplomatic relations. The Singapore delegation included Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, and Mr. Simon Wong, Singapore’s High Commissioner to India, among other officials.
Sapigen Biologix to Produce Malaria, Cholera, and Polio Vaccines
Sapigen Biologix’s plant will play a key role in the global vaccine supply chain, with a focus on addressing emerging health threats. Beyond the three key vaccines currently in production, the facility will expand to manufacture 7 more vaccines including vaccines for diseases such as Chikungunya and Zika in the future.
The Rs.1500 Crore investment in Sapigen Biologix further cements India’s position as a major player in the global biotechnology industry, with the potential to provide 2000 direct and 1500 indirect jobs and furthermore ensure access to affordable vaccines to tackle preventable infectious diseases and also enable pandemic preparedness worldwide.
