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Hyderabad-based Biological E. Limited (BE) has announced a strategic partnership with Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) to expand access to Bavarian Nordic’s Chikungunya Vaccine in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).
This partnership comprises a technology transfer of the current drug product manufacturing process for the Chikungunya Vaccine, with the option to transfer the drug substance process at a later stage. To that effect, the companies have reached an agreement to expand their capacity to provide future supplies to endemic low- and middle-income countries.
The initial technology transfer would be followed by regulatory approval applications and commencement of commercial manufacturing thereafter. BE's existing facilities in Genome Valley, Hyderabad will be augmented to make the Chikungunya Vaccine. The manufacturing of Chikungunya Vaccine at BE is expected to generate up to 300 new jobs.
This agreement has come about as Bavarian Nordic continues to explore opportunities in line with its strategy to provide global access to its Chikungunya Vaccine via partners for markets outside the US and Europe.
In February 2025, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved VIMKUNYA (CHIKV VLP) as the first chikungunya vaccine for persons as young as 12 years.
An EU approval is pending decision from the European Commission following a recommendation in January 2025 by the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
