Odisha, 19th January, 2025: Singapore’s President, His Excellency Tharman Shanmugaratnam, visited the Sapigen Biologix facility in Odisha on Saturday, a state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing plant that is set to produce three vital vaccines for global health challenges. This plant, one of the largest of its kind in the world, will produce Hillchol (BBV131), the world’s second oral cholera vaccine, RTS,S, the first licensed malaria vaccine, and the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), addressing some of the most urgent global health issues.
With an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, the Sapigen Biologix plant is not only set to tackle these critical diseases but also aims to create over 2,000 direct jobs and an additional 1,500 indirect employment opportunities in the region. The facility is strategically located in the Odisha Biotech Park in Bhubaneswar and will serve as a hub for high-quality vaccine production, aimed at meeting both domestic and international demand.
Singapore’s President Tours Sapigen Biologix’s Massive Vaccine Plant Producing Cholera, Malaria, and Polio Vaccines
President Shanmugaratnam praised the facility’s impressive scale, noting the transformative impact it would have on global vaccine supply. “This plant marks a significant step forward in tackling diseases that continue to affect millions around the world. The production of key vaccines here will contribute to global health security and strengthen India’s role in the biotechnology sector,” he stated.
The plant’s first major focus will be the production of Hillchol (BBV131), a single-strain oral cholera vaccine designed to address global shortages. Cholera remains a persistent threat in many regions, and the rollout of this vaccine is expected to save countless lives. Additionally, the plant will produce the RTS,S malaria vaccine, developed in partnership with GSK, which is poised to make a significant impact on malaria reduction in Africa and Asia.
Dr. Krishna Ella, Founder of Sapigen Biologix and Bharat Biotech, expressed his pride in the facility’s capacity to meet such global health demands. “This plant not only helps to alleviate vaccine shortages but also strengthens India’s self-reliance in vaccine production. It’s a major leap forward in ensuring access to vaccines for underserved populations,” he said.
Sapigen Biologix will also produce the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), further contributing to the global fight against polio. As the world continues to combat the spread of diseases, the plant’s production capacity will increase, with plans to expand into new vaccine areas like Chikungunya and Zika.
In addition to addressing global health needs, the facility is expected to stimulate regional economic growth. Dr. Suchitra Ella, Managing Director of Bharat Biotech, emphasized the importance of spreading knowledge-based industries beyond southern and western India, bringing economic opportunities to eastern India and creating a skilled workforce.
The visit of Singapore’s President comes at a time when global health collaboration is more crucial than ever. With a focus on key vaccines and the plant’s significant production capacity, Sapigen Biologix is positioned to play a central role in strengthening global health preparedness.
