9APRIL 2024TOP STORIESBHARAT BIOTECH TO COMMENCE MANUFACTURING OF ORAL POLIO VACCINESBharat Biotech announced on Tuesday a collaboration with Bilthoven Biologicals B.V., based in the Netherlands and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Serum Institute of India, to enhance the production and supply security of oral polio vaccines (OPVs). According to the agreement between the two companies, Bharat Biotech will procure drug substances necessary for OPV production to be supplied within India and globally.Under this partnership, Bharat Biotech and Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio) will work together to obtain the regulatory approvals and licenses needed for commercial OPV manufacturing in India, using drug substances manufactured by BBio in the Netherlands. This collaboration aims to ensure a stable supply of oral polio vaccines, contributing to the global effort to eradicate polio.Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, emphasized that this collaboration demonstrates the cooperation between vaccine companies in securing the supply of oral polio vaccines, aligning with the goal of eradicating polio. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, reiterated the vision to eradicate polio worldwide, aiming to reduce the impact of this disease on vulnerable populations.The collaboration between Bharat Biotech and Bilthoven Biologicals supports the initiative to achieve a polio-free world, especially as the global polio eradication initiative enters a critical phase. Oral polio vaccines have been a crucial component of India's Universal Immunisation Programme for many years, with Bharat Biotech being one of the primary suppliers to immunization programs worldwide. PEPSICO TO EXPAND ITS PRESENCE BY SETTING UP MANUFACTURING UNIT IN UJJAINPepsiCo India announced on Tuesday its plans to invest Rs. 1,266 crore in establishing a flavour manufacturing facility in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, as part of its expansion strategy in the country. The facility spread across 22 acres, will play a crucial role in boosting PepsiCo's beverage production in India, creating job opportunities, and contributing positively to the local economy.Construction of the new plant is scheduled to commence in 2024, with operations expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026, according to the company's statement. PepsiCo India & South Asia CEO Jagrut Kotecha expressed gratitude for the support from the Madhya Pradesh government and emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing the socio-economic landscape of the region.George Kovoor, Senior Vice President of Beverages at PepsiCo India, highlighted that the upcoming facility would be the company's second flavour manufacturing unit in the country. He stated that the investment aims to increase beverage production to meet the growing demand in India while also emphasizing PepsiCo's dedication to providing high-quality beverages and promoting sustainable practices across its operations.PepsiCo's first flavour manufacturing facility in India is located in Channo, Punjab. The company reiterated its commitment to global sustainability goals by ensuring that the new manufacturing facility in Ujjain will operate entirely on renewable energy sources. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the carbon footprint by an impressive 1.9 metric tonnes per day.
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