Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech pledge global access to Covid-19 vaccines

Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech today pledged "a smooth rollout of Covid-19 vaccines to India and the world". 

In a joint statement, SII CEO Adar Poonawala and Bharat Biotech Chairman and MD Dr Krishna Ella communicated their intent to develop, manufacture and supply Covid-19 vaccines for India and the world.

The statement said, the more important task in front of them is saving lives and livelihoods of populations in India and the world.

This should clarify any miscommunication. We are all united in the fight against this pandemic. https://t.co/oeII0YOXEH

— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) January 5, 2021

"Vaccines are a global public health good and they have the power to save lives and accelerate the return to economic normalcy at the earliest," the statement reads.

It said, "Now that two COVID-19 vaccines have been issued EUA (emergency use authorization) in India, the focus is on manufacturing, supply and distribution, such that populations that need it the most receive high quality, safe and efficacious vaccines. Both our companies are fully engaged in this activity and consider it our duty to the nation and the world at large to ensure a smooth rollout of vaccines. Each of our Companies continue their COVID-19 vaccines development activities as planned."

Earlier in the day, Adar Poonawala also clarified that export of vaccines is permitted to all countries. 

While tweeting the joint statement, the SII CEO also said, "This should clarify any miscommunication. We are all united in the fight against this pandemic."