What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
The event, inaugurated by Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, gathered industry leaders, regulatory officials, and experts to discuss advancements in the pharmaceutical sector.
NEW DELHI: At the 10th International Pharmaceutical Exhibition (iPEX), held on Wednesday at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, the Serum Institute of India drew significant attention for its work on a potential Monkeypox vaccine.
The event, inaugurated by Jitin Prasada, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, gathered industry leaders, regulatory officials, and experts to discuss advancements in the pharmaceutical sector.
While talking to The New Indian Sandeep C Mulay, Foreign Business Director of Serum Institute of India, revealed that the institute has been actively working on a Monkeypox vaccine since 2022. “With the World Health Organization declaring Monkeypox a potential global pandemic, we have accelerated our efforts. By the end of this year, we hope to complete initial studies on the vaccine, though it may not be ready for distribution immediately,” Mulay said.
What is Mpox?
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, is a viral disease that primarily spreads through close contact between individuals, and less commonly through contaminated objects or surfaces. Originating in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 1970, the disease was largely neglected until it caused a global outbreak in 2022. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared it a public health emergency in July 2022, leading to the adoption of the term “mpox” to reduce stigma and improve public health communication.
Symptoms and transmission
Mpox symptoms typically include a rash lasting two to four weeks, which may be accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes. The rash, resembling blisters, can appear on various parts of the body including the face, hands, feet, and genital areas. Individuals with mpox are infectious until all blisters have crusted over, scabs have fallen off, and new skin has formed. Recovery usually takes two to four weeks, but severe cases may require hospitalization and antiviral treatment.
The Serum Institute’s significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic were also highlighted. Serum Institute of India, which was awarded the Platinum Star for All-Round Performance, played a crucial role in global vaccine distribution. “It was quite a challenging process as far as the COVID-19 vaccine introduction was concerned. We received tremendous support from the Government of India, especially from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Through the COVID Maitri initiative, we supplied vaccines to nearly 125 countries,” Mulay added. “We are proud of our role in saving lives with our COVID vaccine.”
The iPEX event also saw Laurus Labs Limited and Bafna Pharmaceuticals Limited honoured with the Gold and Silver Stars, respectively. Serum Institute’s recognition underscores its leadership and excellence in the pharmaceutical industry.
Reflecting on the broader impact of the pharmaceutical sector, Mulay stated, “India is a pharmacy for the entire world. With our significant production of vaccines and pharmaceuticals, we are well-positioned to continue making impactful contributions. It’s a matter of pride for all of us in the industry.” He also emphasized the importance of regulatory measures, noting, “Today, we feel that all the regulatory measures are in the right place, and we believe we will do even better in the near future.”
The exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, provided a platform for showcasing advancements and discussing future directions in the pharmaceutical field. As the sector continues to evolve, events like iPEX highlight the crucial role of industry leaders and their contributions to global health.
