Bharat Serums and Vaccines (BSV), a leading biopharmaceutical company in India opened its world-class R&D centre at Airoli, Maharashtra.  The state-of-art centre was inaugurated by Rajesh Tope, Maharashtra's Health Minister.  Also present at the event were Sanjiv Navangul, MD & CEO, BSV, Vishwanath Swarup, COO, India Business and Dr Jaby Jacob, Head, R&D. 

The R&D centre will endeavour to bring scientifically advanced biological, biotechnology products and novel drug delivery systems that deliver better patient outcomes in Women’s Health, Assisted Reproductive Technology and Critical Care & Emergency Medicines.

Speaking at the occasion, Rajesh Tope, Health Minister, State of Maharashtra said, “Today more than ever, Maharashtra is focused at driving scientific research and innovation that aims to address the healthcare needs of our people.  We are proud of our home-grown biotechnology leaders such as BSV who have been innovating in Maharashtra for over 50 years and bringing many firsts to India in the biological and biotech product segments. The collaboration demonstrated by BSV during the pandemic, with the manufacturing of Liposomal Amphotericin B, has helped in saving lives and managing the pandemic.  It is also encouraging to hear of BSV’s ongoing Covid-19 Antibody development that will prepare us to fight the Covid waves, as we continue to meet the unmet healthcare needs of our people.

Sanjiv Navangul, Managing Director & CEO, BSV shared, “At BSV, we are driven by our vision of bringing life to life through our pioneering innovations that deliver healthy patient outcomes. Our over 100 scientists at the R&D centre continue to demonstrate our commitment towards Aatmanirbhar Bharath, as we innovate in Maharashtra for India and the world.  BSV’s Anti-Rho (D) immunoglobulin product is the world’s first marketed recombinant Anti-D with patents in India, US, Europe, Australia and Canada. We are the only Indian company to have developed the immunosuppressive Anti-thymocyte globulin and deliver treatments for Neglected Tropical Diseases (snakebites, rabies) that predominantly affect vulnerable populations of India living in rural and remote locations.

Further on, speaking about the company’s collaboration with Maharashtra, he added, “Maharashtra accounts for 1,00,000 Rh-negative pregnant mothers annually, of which, 40,000 have benefited from BSV’s Anti-Rho (D) immunoglobulin product. Going ahead we are hopeful that we will be able to bridge the gap and partner with the state to expand access and serve more needy Rh-negative mothers across our state.  The scientists at BSV have worked tirelessly towards developing Liposomal Amphotericin B for battling Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) during the second wave of COVID-19 and we were able to manufacture close to 24,00,000 vials annualised capacity, at our world-class manufacturing facility at Ambernath to support Maharashtra and rest of India, in our fight against Black Fungus.  BSV’s ongoing Covid-19 Antibody development Phase 1 trial demonstrates our commitment to delivering probable solutions that can have a positive impact in combating the disease. Housed in one of the most progressive healthcare states of the country, BSV continues to spur R&D innovations, and remains committed to realising the collective vision of a healthier Maharashtra; a healthier India and a healthier world.”

BSV through its patient-centred digital platform BSVwithU endeavours to deliver the most optimal health outcomes by increasing treatment options, while addressing patient needs. BSVwithU is a one-of-its-kind digital initiative that focuses on serving patients and engaging doctors with the latest scientific information. The company has also roped in financing companies to provide microfinance support to aspiring couples seeking IVF treatment. This microfinancing support is also extended to aplastic anaemia patients to allow completion of treatment. The platform offers Indirect Coombs Test to assist Rh-negative pregnant mothers with diagnostic support to identify and rationalize interventions required to ensure the well-being of Rh-positive babies delivered and supports aspiring couples and women throughout their IVF and pregnancy journeys through free psychological counselling services.