The two new upcoming vaccine testing facilities at National Institute of Animal Biotechnology,(NIAB) here and the National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS) at Pune, as the Central Drug Laboratory (CDL), for batch testing and quality control of vaccines are expected to test approximately 60 batches of vaccines per month. Both labs with state-of-the-art lab facilities funded under PM-CARES are geared up to test existing COVID-19 vaccines and other newer ones. This will not only expedite the vaccine manufacture and supply but also be logistically convenient considering that both Pune and Hyderabad are the two vaccine manufacturing hubs, said an official press release. The Centre had decided to set up these two additional laboratories to facilitate expedited testing and pre-release certification of the vaccines in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and considering the enhanced production of vaccines. Currently, the country has a Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) at Kasauli, which is the National Control Laboratory for testing and pre-release certification of Immunobiologicals (vaccines and antisera) meant for human use.

Source: The Hindu July 06, 2021 13:07 UTC