India’s Biological E has been selected as a recipient of mRNA technology from the World Health Organization (WHO) technology transfer hub.

“After reviewing a number of proposals from India, WHO’s Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (PDVAC) today selected the company BiologicalE (Bio E) as a recipient of mRNA technology from the WHO technology transfer hub,” the WHO said in a statement issued last Friday.

“WHO and partners will work with the Indian government and Bio E to develop a roadmap and put in place the necessary training and support so that the company can start producing mRNA vaccines as soon as possible,” the apex public health body said.

Primarily set up to address the Covid-19 emergency, the WHO technology transfer hub has the potential to expand manufacturing capacity for other products as well, including treatments, and target other priorities such as malaria, HIV and cancer, it said.

Mahima Datla, Managing Director, Biological E. said"We are excited about this remarkable milestone in our efforts to produce affordable vaccines for the world. We are very pleased with the trust that WHO places in our organisation, which adheres to the standards set by the WHO. This is also a reflection of our world-class processes, scale and effectiveness. BE has been investing in mRNA technologies since last year. This new technology will definitely strengthen our resolve to develop and manufacture more vaccines in future. This partnership with WHO will enhance our ability to develop next-generation mRNA vaccines that could be more suitable globally and expand the reach of vaccines availability worldwide.’’

Announced on 21 June 2021, the objective of the technology transfer hub is to build capacity in low- and middle-income countries to produce mRNA vaccines through a centre of excellence and training (the mRNA vaccine technology hub).

Hyderabad-based Bio E recently received emergency use authorisation (EUA) from India's drug regulator for its coronavirus vaccine--Corbevax against Covid-19 for the 12 to 18-year age group.