The Belgium-based GSK Biologicals, the vaccine SBU of GlaxoSmithKline Plc, has identified India as one of the strategic locations for its research and development activities and manufacturing. The company, which is setting up its first fully owned vaccine manufacturing facility outside Europe in Nashik, would source the entire product requirement for the local market from this plant in a phased manner.

GSK, the world leader in vaccine, is currently sourcing all vaccine brands marketed in the country from its existing facility located at its headquarters at Rixensart, Belgium. The company's vaccine portfolio, which is currently the largest, would include new vaccine like Rotavirus, Malaria, TB, Dengue Fever, Hepatitis E and Typhoid.

The Nashik facility, for which the foundation stone is laid, is expected to commence operation in the first quarter of 2006. Speaking at the occasion, Patrick Florent, vice president, global industrial operations, GSK Biologicals, said that since vaccination programmes were one of the most effective healthcare measures in India as it is elsewhere in the world, the large potential of this country and other Asian countries, have prompted them to identify this region as one of the key areas for their activities.

"I am happy that a new vaccine plant, conforming to international standards, is being set up in India. People of India will be soon able to benefit from the high quality of vaccines from this plant for protection against many infectious diseases," he added.

The plant will initially manufacture DPT combination vaccine to start with and other vaccines would follow in a phased manner. The company is now in talks with the Government of India to understand the healthcare and immunization programmes in the country to identify the priority vaccines to be manufactured in the new local facility. However, the plant will undertake only filling and packaging as the basic bulk will be imported from Belgium in crystal form.

According to S Kalyana Sundaram, managing director, GSK India, and Vice president, South Asia GSK International, this new vaccine facility reflects the company's commitment to India and recognizes the high quality skills and science base in India.

The Nashik vaccine facility of GSK will be operating under the close supervision of GSK Biologicals, Belgium, and when completed, will possess all attributes of the most modern vaccine facility globally. However, the marketing of the entire products manufactured here will be through GSK India.