Shilpa Medicare (SML), via its wholly-owned subsidiary Shilpa Biologicals (SBPL), has entered into a definitive agreement with Cadila Healthcare (CHL) for production-supply of the ZyCov-D vaccine drug substance from its integrated Biologics research and development (R&D)-cum manufacturing centre at Dharwad, Karnataka.
The targeted production of the ZyCoV-D vaccine from this facility will be mutually agreed upon by both parties.
ZyCov-D is the first DNA plasmid vaccine in the world for human use developed indigenously by CHL against the COVID-19 virus. It is also the first COVID-19 vaccine for adolescents in 12-18 age group, besides the adult population and is a needle-free vaccine administered using The PharmaJet a needle-free applicator, which ensures painless intradermal vaccine delivery.
CHL will transfer the ZyCoV-D technology to SBPL. Under the agreement, SBPL will be responsible for manufacture of the drug substance of the vaccine, while CHL is responsible for filling/packaging/ distribution/ marketing of the vaccine in its marketing territories.
The biologics business has been identified as a strategic growth engine by SML and has made significant investments in setting up a high-end, flexible biologics facility in SBPL.
This facility at Dharwad will cater to the requirements of the fast-growing biologics field that includes the DNA vaccine, adenoviral, subunit vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins.