Based in Hyderabad, India, Bharat Biotech is expanding its vaccine portfolio with a focus on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health challenge.
The company, known internationally for developing Covaxin during the Covid-19 pandemic, is now working on vaccines designed to prevent hospital-acquired infections, particularly in patients undergoing surgeries. According to Raches Ella, Chief Development Officer, the idea is to vaccinate patients in advance against specific pathogens to reduce risks associated with drug-resistant infections.
AMR is a significant public health concern. In India alone, nearly one million deaths each year are linked to drug-resistant infections, while globally the figure is about five million. Projections suggest that by 2050, AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually and result in up to $100 trillion in lost economic output if not addressed, according to the Review on Antimicrobial Resistance chaired by Jim O’Neill, Acting Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Given the rising incidence of hospital-acquired infections and the limited effectiveness of current treatments, Bharat Biotech sees this as an urgent area for innovation,
The company’s vaccine pipeline remains central to its growth. Four novel vaccines are entering phase three efficacy trials. Among them is a tuberculosis candidate, which will be tested in one of India’s largest clinical trials involving more than 30,000 participants. Other candidates target diarrheal pathogens such as Shigella and Salmonella, as well as Chikungunya, a mosquito-borne viral disease.
Beyond vaccines, Bharat Biotech is diversifying into advanced biotherapeutics. The company plans to invest $75 million over the next three years in cell and gene therapy. With this expansion the company aims to position itself in emerging areas of biotechnology while maintaining its leadership in vaccines.
