Serum Institute to launch 4 vaccines, enter US, Europe markets

Serum Institute of India, major home-grown global vaccines plans to launch at least four products and enter European and US markets in the next three to four years. The company is the largest vaccine manufacturer by dosage globally with 1.2 billion doses per annum and sells its product in 147 countries.

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar C Poonawalla told that there are two ways to maintain the position - come out with new vaccines as fast as possible for the existing markets and developing new markets.

He also said that the Institute is planning to launch a pentavalent meningitis vaccine. It is a five-in-one meningitis vaccine. It will be coming out in less than two years' time. The pneumonia vaccine is planned to launch by the end of 2019 The other vaccines the company plans to launch is a dengue vaccine and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for cervical cancer in women.

The company's new facility in Pune, which will be ready in a year and a half will cater to Europe and the US, he added. The company is spending between Rs 300-400 crore a year on research and development. It also spends Rs 300-400 crore every year on CAPEX.