The Hyderabad-based Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Diary Development Board (NDDB) and manufacturer of veterinary as well as human vaccines, is in discussions with several international institutes to enter research collaborations.

According to reports the company, which has already collaborated with several domestic as well as overseas institutes, is in discussions with several institutes in countries such as Vietnam, Pakistan and Taiwan. The company is looking for collaborations with institutes based in the US and Europe. According to the company, it is the first Indian firm launching vaccines in Pakistan.

IIL managing director K V Balasubramaniam said, "In the biotech segment we have to develop collaborations and we already have collaborations with several domestic as well as international institutes. At present, we are in discussions with some overseas institutes for similar kind of tie-ups". However, he has refused to reveal more on the same.

As per the company, its human vaccine manufacturing division, Human Biologicals Institute (HBI), which currently runs 3000 clinics across the country, is planning to expand the services. As per the plan, it will open 400 to 500 clinics in various parts of the country this year. It has launched the unique Abhay Clinics in 2000, with an anti-rabies vaccine, in order to provide affordable immunity through technologically superior biologicals. In the later stage with a view to build up these 'micro franchisees' as a one stop vaccination centre, the company has added other vaccines also into the programme.

Commenting on the Abhay Clinics, Balasubramaniam, said, "We are building up these clinics as a one stop vaccine centre and with this view we have added other vaccines also in to the programme. Our people are visiting several places in order to create awareness among the various sections of the society".

The company is currently working on combination vaccines as well as hepatitis A and HP vaccines. It is also working on several other vaccines, including combination vaccines in the animal health segment.