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Belarus to build up capacity to make various vaccines
VITEBSK DISTRICT, 12 August (BelTA) – Belarus intends to build up the capacity to make various vaccines in addition to COVID-19 vaccines. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the statement during the government conference held on 12 August to discuss the development of antiviral vaccines, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Not only COVID-19 vaccines. Today the production of a proprietary COVID-19 vaccine is indeed on the agenda. But we are creating the capacity to make all kinds of vaccines. It is COVID-19 today, it will be some other disease tomorrow. But we need manufacturing facilities on standby. Just like in Russia.”
“I’ve said it all regarding our vaccine. But I am interested in progress in organizing the full-cycle production of Sputnik V at Belmedpreparaty premises. Just as we agreed. Our vaccine is still on the agenda. Is everything settled in relations with Russian partners?” the president wondered.
As another topic to be discussed during the government conference Aleksandr Lukashenko mentioned the production of some vaccines for animals, including vaccines against the African swine fever. “We’ve agreed we are going to work in this direction. I am told we have the vaccine. We will also discuss whether it is so,” he said.
BelTA reported earlier that the BelVitunipharm enterprise located in Vitebsk District was chosen as the site for the government conference. At present it is a high-tech enterprise that specializes in biological products for veterinary healthcare.
The enterprise offers over 150 veterinary medications (serums, antiviral and antibacterial vaccines, medications) and satisfies virtually 50% of the country’s demand for veterinary drugs.
The production of the Belarusian COVID-19 vaccine is supposed to be organized over there. Specialists mentioned that making medications for animals and humans within one company is an international practice. The internationally recognized company Pfizer was mentioned as an example.
The Belarusian company intends to build a new wing where the vaccine will be made. The territory has already been prepared for it. One floor in BelVitunipharm’s main building will be used for now. BelVitunipharm Director Sergei Bolshakov said: “The new enterprise will make vaccines for people using modern equipment without any links to the animal world. Work experience is the only link. There is still a certain affinity. Vaccines for humans and for animals share 90% of the manufacturing steps. There is no difference for manufacturing.”
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