Cipla Europe NV (Cipla), a 100% subsidiary of Cipla Ltd and a global pharmaceutical company has entered a distribution agreement with Serum Institute of India Ltd. (SII) – a global leader in the production of vaccines.

Under the agreement, SII will develop and manufacture paediatric vaccines, Cipla will seek European Medicines Agency approval and market the products in Europe. This collaboration with SII enables Cipla to enter into the vaccines segment, continuing our commitment to inclusive healthcare for the world. The vaccines will be manufactured in Serum’s world class production facilities approved by WHO.

Commenting on the collaboration, Subhanu Saxena, MD & global CEO, Cipla, said: “We are proud to have entered into a strategic Europe-specific partnership with Serum Institute of India. This collaboration is aligned with our commitment to access to affordable paediatric healthcare. Both Cipla and SII share the same core values such as self-sufficiency, affordability, accessibility, quality and commitment to global health. Through this partnership, we look forward to contribute in eradication of childhood diseases.”

Adar Poonawalla, CEO and executive director, SII said: “Serum Institute believes that this tie-up with Cipla is a perfect platform for making vaccines available for Europeans as Serum also shares the common philosophy of Cipla of making vaccines/pharmaceutical products available at the most affordable prices. Therefore as the two companies are aligned in many ways, we feel this will be a good partnership.”

Frank Pieters, head of Europe, Cipla, said: “We are focussed on offering a new pharma concept built on layers of value such as newer products, concepts, formats, information and services to help healthcare providers across Europe. We see vaccines as one of the critical components of our offering to European patients. With Cipla’s front-end presence and with the support of a dedicated sales force, we will broaden the reach of vaccines across Europe.”

Michel Baijot, head of vaccines, Cipla, said: “This is an alliance of two leaders in their respective fields to focus their efforts on alternate solutions for healthcare authorities in Europe on immunisation programmes.”

Over the last 6 months, Cipla has strengthened its foundation in Europe. The company has launched respiratory products such as Salmeterol/Fluticasone in Germany and Sweden, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Croatia. In July, Cipla has signed an exclusive partnership with BioQuiddity to market OneDoseReadyfusOR in regional anesthetic applications for post-surgical pain management.