BioNet re-opens Vaccine Pilot Plant and expands manufacturing capabilities to meet ASEAN needs Plans to invest Baht 8 billion during next 10 yearsAyutthaya, Thailand – BioNet-Asia Co., Ltd., a biotech company in Thailand focusing on the development, manufacturing and supply of vaccines, will resume development activities on a recombinant acellular pertussis vaccine in its renovated pilot plant, and is starting the construction of a large-scale vaccine manufacturing plant in the Hi-Tech Industrial Estate, Ayutthaya.
Fifteen months after the mega floods affecting Ayutthaya and its surroundings in October 2011, BioNet has re-opened its production plant that has been lifted by 3 meters and includes brand new cleanroom facilities. Dr Pham Hong Thai, co-Managing Director of BioNet-Asia, said, “We are delighted to resume the development of the first recombinant acellular pertussis vaccine. Our vaccine has triggered major interest worldwide. We, therefore, plan to prioritize this key project and to enter clinical trials soon.”
Dr Jean Petre, the company’s Scientific Director, added, “We are also well advanced on several other projects. Now, we have more than a hundred employees working on different vaccine research projects, either in collaboration with universities in Thailand or directly on our site. For example, the Dengue R&D building was completed last year, allowing the research activities to continue on other vaccines such as Dengue and Hepatitis B vaccines.”
BioNet today also laid down the foundation stones of the largest vaccine manufacturing plant in Thailand. This major event was held in the presence of the Minister of Public Health, the Minister of Science and Technology and prominent academics and health experts from the Department of Disease Control, Department of Medical Science, Thai Food and Drug Administration, National Vaccine Institute (Public Organization), National Science and Technology Development Agency and Thai Red Cross Society.
Mr. Vitoon Vonghangool, BioNet-Asia’s co-Managing Director, revealed, “This project is not only an important step for the company, but also for our country, since the vaccine manufacturing plant aims to produce several vaccines using the latest technologies. In addition, this project supports the national goals for vaccine and will contribute to the vaccine manufacturing self-sufficiency for Thailand. Our initial objective is to meet the needs in South East Asia.”
“We have been working with several reputable European consultants and world leading engineering companies to ensure the project feasibility and compliance of the vaccine manufacturing plant with WHO GMP and PIC/S standards”, he added.
While the construction of the vaccine plant is expected to be completed in 2015, BioNet plans to invest approximately 8 billion Baht over the next 10 years in plant construction, vaccine and human resource development.
For further information, please contact:
Wassana Wijagkanalan
BioNet-Asia Co., Ltd.
Tel: 0-2361-8110 E-mail: info@bionet-asia.com