Short Wave A Look Inside The World's Biggest Vaccine Maker
Mar 23, 2021
Lauren Frayer, NPR's international correspondent, takes us inside the Serum Institute of India, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world. She discusses their ambitious plan to produce 100 million doses per month of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, crucial for low-income countries. Frayer highlights the institute's evolution from creating anti-snake venom to a vaccine powerhouse, showcasing its agility during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation also touches on the complexities of vaccine patents and the importance of global partnerships in ensuring widespread access.
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Serum Institute's Origins
- The Serum Institute of India originated from a horse farm after a horse died from a snake bite.
- Its owner, unable to get anti-venom in time, decided to start producing it himself.
Serum Institute's COVID-19 Vaccine Production
- Serum Institute, known for generic, low-profit vaccines, received a small vial from Oxford University containing a potential COVID-19 vaccine.
- Scientists worked overtime during the pandemic's peak to mass-produce this vaccine, even before clinical trials confirmed its efficacy.
Vaccine Production and Distribution
- Serum Institute aims to produce 100 million doses monthly of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which requires only standard refrigeration.
- This makes it ideal for distribution in low and middle-income countries, furthering vaccine accessibility.