English Global
Panacea Biotec on humanitarian grounds has donated 125,000 single dose vials (SDVs) of its WHO Prequalified Pentavalent vaccine, Easyfive-TT, to the Ministry of Health of Republic of Cuba for use in Cuba National Health System specifically in the expanded immunization program due to current ongoing shortage of the wP based Pentavalent Vaccine in Cuba.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rajesh Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Panacea Biotec, said “Panacea Biotec believes in giving a chance for Better health. The Government has time and again emphasized “Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam” meaning the “World is one Family”. Our donation is a small step in our continuous strive for Indian science and capabilities for the benefit of all.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Alejandro Simancas Marin, Ambassador of Republic of Cuba said By virtue of the above, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba on behalf of the Government and the Cuban people wishes to express its deep gratitude to Panacea Biotec, its managements and specialists for this gesture of solidarity. Without a doubt, this donation will allow the continuation of the cycle of vaccination for children foreseen within the national immunization program carried out by the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba and that it covers free of charge to all the children of Cuba.
Panacea Biotec and the Cuban institutions in the biopharmaceutical industry maintain a working and collaborative relationship that goes beyond commercial interests and has resulted in mutual benefit and has highlighted the opportunities and potential that exists in this sector for bilateral collaboration.
This gesture of solidarity of Panacea Biotec reflects the historical ties of friendship and collaboration between Cuba and India, which celebrated its 63rd Anniversary on last January 12. They are also an example of the south-south collaboration between our countries and the effort they make for the social development of their peoples, especially after the challenges involved in confronting the Covid pandemic.
This is an example of solidarity and humanism in favour of health in Cuba, and especially of its children, and contrasts with the policy of blockade imposed on us and affect us so much.
Cuba sincerely thanks this friendly hand of India, and we are proud of the friendship we share and the commitment to continue working together to strengthen it for the good of our people’s and an example of collaboration.
As the National Hero of Cuba, José Martí, would express: great works can only be possible with great friends.
Any missed wP-Pentavalent vaccination dose would imply vulnerability to new born, infants and children to morbid disease conditions like Diphtheria, Whooping Cough, Neonatal Tetanus, Hepatitis B, invasive Pneumonia or Meningitis due to Haemophilius Influenza Type B. These are commonest vaccine preventable diseases in new born, infants and children. It is, therefore, imperative that such a vaccination strategy is executed and implemented at all times without any break in the immunization schedule.
Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB) and the Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) are leading vaccine producers in Cuba. During the last two years, their production capacities were dedicated to the production of Covid-19 vaccine and pharmaceutical products due to Covid-19 Pandemic which led to the current shortage of Pentavalent Vaccine in Cuba.
Paediatric vaccination plays an important role to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, in particular the target to reduce under-five mortality rate to less than 25 per 1000 live births.
We have been privileged to partner with Center for Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology for over 20 years and provide sustainable supplies of our vaccines globally to enable people to live healthier and live longer. We are happy to support our friends in their time of need and we continue to fight and minimise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Easyfive-TT is the world’s first fully liquid wP-based Pentavalent vaccine that has been launched by the Company in India in 2005. It protects children from 5 deadly preventable diseases viz. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, and invasive infections caused by Haemophilus Influenza Type b. After WHO prequalification in 2008, more than 150 million doses have been supplied to over 75 countries. Easyfive-TT is a ready-to-use combination vaccine that does not require preparation by healthcare workers at the clinic, reduces the number of visits to vaccination centres, and reduces the overall cost of immunisation for all stakeholders.
Panacea Biotec’s Commitment to Vaccines
Vaccines prevent 2 to 3 million deaths each year and have transformed global public health.[1] For the past 30 years, Panacea Biotec has supplied vaccines to protect the health of people across the world; it has a strong track-record of supplying more than 10 billion doses of Polio vaccines and over 150 million doses of Innovative fully-liquid Vaccines to National Governments, UN Agencies, etc. Panacea Biotec’s global vaccine business is applying innovation to tackle some of the world’s most challenging infectious diseases, such as Dengue. Our team brings an outstanding track record and a wealth of knowledge in vaccine development, manufacturing and global access to advance a pipeline of vaccines to address some of the world’s most pressing public health needs.
About Panacea Biotec
Panacea Biotec is an innovation-led biopharmaceutical group that focuses on discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines primarily, focusing on Vaccines, Diabetes, Transplant, Gastroenterology, and Oncology. Its vaccine manufacturing facilities are WHO Prequalified, pharmaceutical and sterile injectable facilities are US FDA approved and all facilities are cGMP compliant. Panacea Biotec launched the world’s first fully-liquid Hexavalent vaccine (DTwP-Hib-HepB-IPV), EasySix in 2017. It is also undertaking developing Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine among other differentiated drug development programs. Panacea Biotec remains focused on merging cutting-edge science and technology with an unwavering commitment towards unmet medical needs with affordability.
For more information, visit: www.panaceabiotec.com
P. D. Karan
Sr. Vice President - Business Development & Corporate Affairs
B-1 Extn. / A-27, Mohan Co-Operative Industrial Estate,
Mathura Road, New Delhi – 110044, INDIA
Tel: + 91 11 41679000 Extn. 1406, 41578080 (Direct)
Fax + 91 11 41578002
Mobile: + 91 9312693040, + 91 9810500539
Email: pdkaran@panaceabiotec.com