New Delhi: In a strategic move to bolster India’s pandemic preparedness and boost global vaccine innovation, the Department of Biotechnology , the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have renewed their ‘Engagement Strategy’ for cooperation in vaccine research, development and innovation. The agreement, formally signed on 18 September 2025, represents a continuation of the earlier partnership established in October 2019 and highlights India’s commitment to combating infectious diseases through scientific collaboration.
The Union Cabinet has reviewed and endorsed this renewed partnership, marking a major step toward ensuring timely and effective health responses in the event of future outbreaks.
Background of CEPI Vaccine Research Partnership
CEPI—an international coalition of public, private, philanthropic and civil society organisations—was established to accelerate the development of vaccines against emerging infectious diseases.
Supported by global institutions such as the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and national governments including the European Commission, the organisation plays a pivotal role in strengthening health systems globally.
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India joined hands with CEPI in 2019, recognizing the value of combining national scientific expertise with global technological capabilities. The initial five-year agreement focused on vaccine development for epidemic-prone diseases and significantly contributed to global vaccine preparedness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The renewed engagement builds upon these achievements, widening the collaborative scope and enhancing India’s position as a global biotechnology leader.
Key Achievements Under the DBT–BIRAC–CEPI Partnership
1. Early-Stage Vaccine Development: DBT and BIRAC have facilitated early-stage vaccine research for Coronavirus, Monkeypox, and Chikungunya, enabling India to rapidly mobilize vaccine candidates during public health emergencies.
2. Strengthening Biosafety and Animal Testing Infrastructure: Two major facilities have been recognised by CEPI under their global laboratory network:
DBT-BRIC-THSTI Biosafety Laboratory, and Experimental Animal Facility
These facilities form part of both the CEPI Centralized Lab Network and the CEPI Animal Lab Network, supporting international standardization of vaccine testing and characterization.
3. Supporting Indian Vaccine Developers: Through CEPI-backed programmes, several Indian vaccine candidates moved through various stages of development—from pre-clinical studies to Phase-3 clinical trials. This demonstrates India’s rising strength as a global vaccine development hub.
Scope of the Renewed Engagement Strategy
The latest agreement expands beyond vaccines and includes:
1. Broadening Research to Emerging Health Threats
The partnership now covers:
- Rapid vaccine development for emerging and re-emerging pathogens
- Support for diseases included in the WHO Blueprint List of Priority Diseases
2. Expansion into Allied Therapeutic Technologies: CEPI and DBT will extend cooperation to:
- Monoclonal antibody technologies
- Cutting-edge therapeutics for outbreak control
- Platforms for accelerated testing and response
3. Infrastructure and Human Resource Strengthening: The renewed strategy emphasizes:
- Investment in critical research infrastructure
- Training programmes for skilled scientific personnel
- Enhanced biosafety and translational research capacity
These initiatives will help India and global partners respond faster to health emergencies.
Importance of CEPI Vaccine Research Partnership : Strengthening India’s Pandemic Preparedness
By renewing its agreement with CEPI, India aims to:
- Leveraging CEPI’s technical expertise and India’s strong R&D ecosystem.
- Ensuring rapid development of vaccines for diseases that pose pandemic risks.
- Creating a robust foundation for next-generation biotechnology research.
- The partnership directly supports SDG targets related to good health, innovation, and institutional partnership.
The collaboration puts India at the forefront of global pandemic preparedness, ensuring the nation is better equipped to address future health threats efficiently and effectively.
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