The Daily The Struggles of India’s Vaccine Giant
Jun 24, 2021
Explore the stark vaccine inequities between developed and developing nations, especially in South Asia. Discover the Serum Institute of India’s strategic role in global vaccine production during the pandemic. Delve into the immense pressures faced by the world's largest vaccine manufacturer as they balance national needs with international commitments. Uncover the shift in focus from delivering to abroad due to rising domestic demands. The discussion also highlights the ethical dilemmas of vaccine diplomacy amidst an ongoing health crisis.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Serum Institute's Origins
- The Serum Institute of India, the world's largest vaccine maker, was founded by Cyrus Poonawalla, a wealthy horse breeder.
- He started by loaning horses for serum production, then began making vaccines himself.
Serum's Risky Bet
- Serum Institute partnered with AstraZeneca to produce 1 billion COVID vaccine doses for low and middle-income countries.
- They invested $450 million upfront, even before vaccine efficacy was confirmed.
India's Pharmacy Ambition
- Serum Institute's deal aligned with the Indian government's goal of becoming the "world's pharmacy."
- This attracted orders from countries like Bangladesh, Bahrain, and South Africa.