Biocon Biologics Ltd (BBL) has made a strategic move into the communicable disease segment through a strategic alliance with Serum Institute Life Sciences (SILS) for vaccines.

Both Serum Institute and Biocon Biologics have invested in developing global quality products and global scale capabilities in biologics and vaccines, and both organisations strongly believe that India needs to raise its profile as a nation making a significant difference to global health.

This COVID-19 pandemic has made the world realize the importance of biologics in addressing viral diseases that pose a serious threat to human life. Vaccines and biotherapeutics like antibodies are humanity’s best bet against viral pandemics.

This historic alliance will complement the strengths and resources of two leading Indian players in vaccines and biologics, with the objective of addressing inequitable access to lifesaving vaccines both in emerging and developed markets.

The alliance provides Biocon Biologics an asset-light and accelerated entry into the vaccines segment.

SILS will receive equity stake in BBL

Serum Life Sciences would make an additional equity investment of USD 150 million through the conversion of the USD 150 million loan provided to Biocon Pharma Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Biocon Ltd, into equity in BBL. This investment is in addition to the USD 150 million that SILS had invested in Biocon Biologics in November 2022, resulting in SILS’ aggregate equity investment in BBL amounting to USD 300 million.

As per the arrangement, BBL will have access to 100 million doses of vaccines annually together with the distribution rights to Serum’s vaccines portfolio, which will add to BBL’s product portfolio for global markets.

Biocon Biologics has proven its capabilities in biologics with several of its biosimilars portfolio commercialized in U.S., Europe and other advanced markets, as well as several emerging markets. Vaccines will augment our offering in the viral diseases segment.

Vaccines: A Good Strategic Fit to Biocon Biologics

Vaccines are a natural adjacency to Biocon Biologics’ existing capabilities. They provide a good strategic fit to its business and will provide a new dimension to its efforts in improving global healthcare. Vaccines would be an additional growth driver for Biocon Biologics.

This strategic alliance will serve the objectives of both the companies, as it provides SILS an aggregated equity investment in BBL amounting to USD 300 million and provides BBL additional product offerings for global markets.

Note: Subject to regulatory approvals and closure of the transaction

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