SII, Bharat Biotech to develop COVID-19 vaccines 'unitedly'

New Delhi:The Serum Institute of India (SII) and the Bharat Biotech on Tuesday communicated their joint pledge towards a smooth roll out of COVID-19 vaccines to India and the World.

In a joint statement, SII CEO Adar Poonawalla and Bharat Biotech Chairman & Managing Director Krishna Ella communicated their 'combined intent' to develop, manufacture and supply the COVID-19 vaccines for India and globally.

'The more important task in front of them is saving the lives and livelihoods of population in India and the world. 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 said.

"Now that the two COVID-19 vaccines have been issued emergency use authorisation (EUA) 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 roll out of vaccines. Each of our Companies continue their COVID-19 vaccines development activities as planned," it added.

'We are fully aware of the importance of vaccines for people and countries alike, we hereby communicate our joint pledge to provide global access for our COVID-19 vaccines," said the statement.(UNI)