Over dozen agreements and MoUs signed with Private sector for Vaccine development: Dr. Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated Asia’s first health research-related "Pre-clinical Network Facility" under the Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) at the Regional Centre of Biotechnology, part of the Translational Health Science & Technology Institute (THSTI), in Faridabad.

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) has recognized BRIC-THSTI as a pre-clinical network laboratory due to its capability to handle BSL3 pathogens. This facility is the ninth such laboratory globally and the first in Asia, with others located in the USA, Europe, and Australia. The experimental animal facility is one of the largest in India, housing approximately 75,000 mice, including immune-compromised mice, as well as other species like rats, rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs.

Dr. Singh, who serves as the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and other significant portfolios, also inaugurated the "Genetically Defined Human Associated Microbial Culture Collection (Ge-HuMic) Facility." This facility will act as a repository for providing microbial cultures to research institutes, universities, and industries, fostering national and international collaborations, and serving as a repository of genetically characterized specific pathogen-free animals for research purposes.

THSTI, an institute under the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, has facilitated multiple agreements with the private sector for vaccine development and research on diseases such as Nipah Virus, Influenza, and other respiratory illnesses. The institute supports cutting-edge fundamental research, translational research to test drug and vaccine candidates, and fosters collaborations across disciplines and industries.

Speaking at the 14th Foundation Day of THSTI, Dr. Singh reflected on the institute's achievements since its inception and praised the efforts of Dr. M.K. Bhan in establishing the facility. He highlighted the institute's significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in vaccine development, and acknowledged DBT's steady progress despite limited resources.

The Minister underscored the critical role of THSTI in the pandemic and emphasized India's position as a leader in preventive healthcare. He discussed contemporary health challenges, including lifestyle-related metabolic diseases, and reiterated Prime Minister Modi's vision of a TB-free India, urging collective efforts to achieve this goal.

Dr. Singh also commended THSTI's role in developing Nipah monoclonal antibodies and promoting kangaroo mother care, a WHO-recommended practice to reduce infant mortality. The event was attended by Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary of DBT, Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, former president of the Public Health Foundation of India, and Dr. Karthikeyan, Director of THSTI.