New Delhi: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, along with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), has renewed its ‘Engagement Strategy’ with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to collaborate on vaccine and allied technology research, development, and innovation.
The agreement was signed on September 18, 2025, and has been considered and noted by the Union Cabinet.
The renewed Engagement Strategy with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations builds upon the earlier agreement executed in October 2019 for a five-year period.
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CEPI is a global partnership involving public, private, philanthropic, and civil society organisations, focused on accelerating the development of vaccines and related technologies against emerging infectious diseases and ensuring equitable access during outbreaks.
Long-standing Partnership with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
Since 2019, DBT and BIRAC have partnered with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to advance vaccine development for diseases with epidemic potential.
Key outcomes of this collaboration include early-stage development of vaccine candidates for Chikungunya, Coronavirus, and Monkeypox, as well as the creation of shared infrastructure such as bioassay laboratories and experimental animal facilities.
The DBT-BRIC-THSTI bioassay laboratory and experimental animal facility have been recognised by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations as part of its Centralized Lab Network and CEPI Animal Lab Network, respectively. These facilities function as national resources supporting vaccine development efforts in India.
The bioassay laboratory has supported multiple Indian and international vaccine candidates across stages ranging from pre-clinical research to Phase-3 efficacy trials.
Additionally, capacity-building initiatives, including training programmes in vaccine development and clinical trials, have contributed to strengthening technical expertise in the sector.
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Expanded Scope Under Renewed Strategy with Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
Under the renewed Engagement Strategy, collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations will be expanded to include research and development of allied technologies, such as monoclonal antibodies.
The programme will continue to focus on pathogens listed under the WHO Blueprint of priority diseases.
The renewal of this Engagement Strategy marks an important step toward enhancing India’s preparedness for future pandemics.
By leveraging CEPI’s technical expertise alongside India’s research and development capabilities, the partnership aims to strengthen critical infrastructure, build skilled human resources, and support timely responses to emerging health threats in alignment with national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals.
