Cipla, Serum Inst ink pact to supply vaccines in South Africa

Drug major Cipla today said its subsidiary has inked a pact with Serum Institute of India (SII) to supply vaccines in South Africa.
Cipla Medpro (Pty), the company's South African arm has entered into an exclusive agreement with world's largest vaccine manufacturer SII to supply vaccines, Cipla said in a statement.
"The partnership will not only enable affordable and accessible vaccines for South Africans, but will also facilitate a reliable supply stream to the South African government," it added.
Cipla Medpro, CEO, Paul Miller said the agreement will help the company become a significant player in the South African market.

"With a presence in 140 countries and 1.3 billion doses manufactured and sold, SII is an ideal ally for Cipla Medpro and this partnership will be instrumental in addressing the national vaccine shortage," he added.
Pune-based SII manufactures a variety of vaccines for various diseases including Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, BCG (Tuberculosis), Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

"The agreement stipulates that Cipla Medpro will become the holder of all Medical Control Council (MCC) regulatory approvals such as product registrations and marketing authorisations," Cipla Ltd, Head of Vaccines, Michel Baijot said.
Cipla Medpro has exclusivity and first right of refusal of the SII pipeline within South Africa, he added.

SII CEO and Executive Director Adar Poonawalla said the company is looking to extend the strong partnership it has with Cipla in Europe and India by working with Cipla Medpro in South Africa.
Cipla shares were trading at Rs 682.45 apiece on the BSE, up 0.34 per cent from previous close.