Establishing vaccine plant highly complex but remarkable progress has been made

After going through an editorial published in The Daily Star on July 14, 2022 on vaccine plant, I feel an explanation of the latest status of the project is called for.

The fact is that things are moving, but the process for funding, technical issues on suitable plant, chemical, biological issues are highly complex and most of the manufacturers will not give away the formula and are patented. We have already progressed quite a lot on all issues, even signed agreements/memos.

Vaccine manufacturing is highly complex, only few developed countries are making it; it also needs approval of WHO and WHO approved biological testing laboratory which the DG, Drugs is working on. A series of meetings were held between EDCL and ADB for the feasibility study of vaccine project in Gopalganj and accordingly they expressed their satisfaction. Meetings were also held among ADB, Health Ministry, EDCL and Finance Ministry about the establishment of the vaccine project as well as financial support. ADB has agreed to finance the project.

There is no bureaucratic hindrance, the process is long, complex but all stakeholders are working, even two private manufacturers/developers are being given permission and support. We have kept all sides open.

Officially, Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) – a government-owned pharmaceutical company – has received the responsibility to establish and implement the vaccine project in Gopalganj. In fact, the Health Ministry of Bangladesh has intended to establish the project through direct involvement and supervision of EDCL.

Now, process is going on to appoint a consultant through EOI very soon, who within mid-August, we will start to prepare DPP. So, remarkable progress is underway. We can even start the project by the end of this year. Moreover, by the assistance of ADB, some of our technical persons are being trained in South Korea to attain expertise in vaccine manufacturing as well as quality compliance. Already we did acquire land (about 6.85 acres) in Gopalganj, just adjacent to the thirrd project of EDCL.

Our intention is to start "Fill Finish" first – just filling the ready antigen into vial to the finished stage, which is relatively easy to prepare, and supply vaccines within a very short time. Gradually, we will start to establish a complete vaccine project from cell culture to the final stage of vaccine manufacturing, filling, sealing, packing etc. where an R&D lab and full manufacturing facilities will be set up following WHO and cGMP standards.

The writer is Director, Operation at EDCL.