Delhi, 21 November (H.S.): In a significant move to enhance domestic vaccine manufacturing and curtail import dependency, the Technology Development Board (TDB) on Friday announced financial assistance for Navi Mumbai-based TechInvention Life Care Pvt. Ltd.

The funding is designated for establishing a commercial-scale cGMP facility to indigenously produce a 16-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV-16).

According to the Union Ministry of Science and Technology, the PCV-16 vaccine targets 16 specific pneumococcal serotypes identified as major contributors to invasive pneumococcal disease, antimicrobial resistance, and high mortality risks in India and other low- and middle-income countries.

This formulation aligns with 13 serotypes from global vaccine platforms while incorporating three emerging serotypes—12F, 15A, and 22F—to provide broader protection against evolving threats.The company conducted its initial research at a BSL-2 facility in Faridabad before advancing the project at its high-security, GMP-compliant R&D center, 'Horizon,' in Navi Mumbai.

An Indian patent has also been filed to protect the vaccine's design and manufacturing process.With the TDB's support, the project will now transition to full-scale production, a step expected to fortify the nation's vaccine self-reliance and pave the way for developing future multivalent platforms. TechInvention Life Care, which holds over 15 patents, is concurrently working on several indigenous vaccine projects, including India's first 6-in-1 meningococcal conjugate vaccine.

TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak stated that high-impact, next-generation vaccine technologies like PCV-16 will strengthen India's national preparedness.

The company's promoters added that the TDB's support will accelerate affordable, large-scale production and help provide vaccines with comprehensive coverage for India and the developing world.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar