Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN), a voluntary public health driven alliance of state-owned and private vaccine manufacturers from developing countries, commenced its 6th annual meeting in Pune. The 29 member companies of DCVMN meet almost 75% requirement of essential vaccines for basic immunisation of newborns in the developing countries.

The conference was inaugurated by Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, chairman of the Serum Institute of India. More than 50 scientists from 14 developing countries participated in this conference to discuss the IPR scenario, regulatory issues, compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices, future vaccine requirements in addition to the R&D efforts needed to help developing countries attain self-sufficiency in basic vaccination.

Inaugurating the conference, Dr Poonawalla said, "DCVMN members are strengthening their manufacturing capacities and looking at the development and launch of newer vaccines. The day when members of DCVMN will meet the 100% requirements of vaccines in developing countries is not very far. Our vaccines need to be affordably priced to be well within the reach of the common man in the third world."

Dr. Suresh Jadhav, president of DCVMN and executive director of Serum Institute while highlighting the importance and role of DCVMN, stated, "Self-reliance is important for achieving self-sufficiency. At DCVMN, member companies network and collaborate for technology transfers, manage data banks, harmonise regulatory requirements, etc. Our efforts will help developing countries reduce their dependence on multinational vaccine manufacturers and achieve 100% independence towards basic vaccination needs."

Founded in Bandung, Indonesia in the year 2000, DCVMN has a membership of 29 manufacturing companies from 14 developing countries. DCVMN's objective is to produce all vaccines required for immunisation programmes with WHO quality requirements, at affordable prices and to make the developing world self-sufficient in basic vaccination. DCVMN member companies are expanding their capacities and adding new technologies including DTP based combination vaccines with Hepatitis-B, Hib, etc. R&D efforts towards rotavirus, pneumococcus, meningococcal, dengue and other vaccines are also presently underway.