Will India be at the Vanguard of Vaccine Development? (original) (raw)

2020

The global pandemic has reinstated the importance of having a strong vaccine ecosystem to foster the development of quick and efficacious vaccines. Globally, India leads in manufacturing processes of vaccines; however, it has a very limited role in the development of complex vaccines. The research and development scenario in the vaccine industry is characterised by high rates of failure which makes investments costly. The R&D capacity of India is focused on creating less complex or follow-on versions of vaccines. It typically operates on a high-volume, low-margin model to take cost advantages and remain competitive in price affordability aspects. Countries like India, where affordability is a strong factor for consumer demand, will have to resort to alternate mechanisms to stimulate R&D for the development of new vaccines. The paper looks at the status of the vaccine Industry in India and how to strengthen the ecosystem through lessons gained from international practices.