Bavarian Nordic has announced an expansion of its strategic collaboration with Serum Institute of India aimed at strengthening global manufacturing capacity for its chikungunya vaccine. The new agreement introduces a contract manufacturing arrangement that will include a full technology transfer of the vaccine’s production process from Bavarian Nordic to the India-based vaccine manufacturer.
Under the agreement, Serum Institute of India will receive the complete manufacturing technology for Bavarian Nordic’s chikungunya vaccine candidate, known as CHIKV VLP. The technology transfer is expected to allow the company to significantly scale up production capacity. Increased manufacturing capability is intended to support future supply of the vaccine to endemic regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where chikungunya continues to pose a major public health challenge.
The expanded deal builds upon the existing partnership between the two companies for the licensing and manufacturing of the mpox vaccine. Bavarian Nordic stated that the new agreement replaces an earlier arrangement it had previously established with Biological E. Limited related to chikungunya vaccine manufacturing.
In addition to contract manufacturing, the collaboration also opens the door for potential future joint research and development initiatives between the companies. Both organizations will explore opportunities to co-develop vaccines or other technologies that could address emerging infectious diseases.
Paul Chaplin, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bavarian Nordic, said the strengthened partnership reflects the complementary strengths of the two companies. He noted that leveraging Serum Institute’s large-scale manufacturing expertise alongside Bavarian Nordic’s vaccine development capabilities could accelerate production and broaden global access to the chikungunya vaccine.
Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that causes fever and severe joint pain and is primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions. Expanding manufacturing capacity is considered a key step toward ensuring wider vaccine availability for populations most at risk.