Gujarat, the pharmaceutical hub of India, has steadily carved out a strong position in vaccine manufacturing, contributing significantly to national and global immunization efforts. With world-class infrastructure, regulatory approvals from WHO, USFDA, and EU authorities, and robust R&D, Gujarat’s vaccine manufacturers play a pivotal role in addressing both routine and emergent public health challenges.
This article explores the top vaccine manufacturers based in Gujarat and highlights their contributions to biotechnology and global health security.
🌟 1. Zydus Lifesciences Ltd. (formerly Cadila Healthcare) – Ahmedabad
Zydus Lifesciences is Gujarat’s flagship vaccine manufacturer with a globally recognized footprint in biotech innovation. It developed ZyCoV-D, the world’s first plasmid DNA COVID-19 vaccine.
Key Highlights:
- WHO prequalified vaccines in its portfolio
- Strong pipeline in viral vaccines, combination pediatric vaccines, and therapeutic vaccines
- Manufacturing facility at ZyFine Park, Ahmedabad, with global regulatory approvals
- Supplies vaccines for Hepatitis B, Influenza, and Typhoid
🌟 2. Hester Biosciences Ltd. – Ahmedabad
A leader in animal and poultry vaccines, Hester is among the top players in veterinary biologicals but has now entered the human vaccine segment as well.
Key Strengths:
- India’s second-largest poultry vaccine producer
- WHO-GMP-certified manufacturing plant
- Working in collaboration with global entities for One Health vaccine strategies
- Human vaccine plant under development with focus on affordable biologics
🌟 3. Indian Immunologicals Ltd. (IIL) – Kheda District (Upcoming Facility)
Although headquartered in Hyderabad, IIL is establishing a major human vaccine facility in Gujarat’s Kheda district, expected to play a central role in expanding national vaccine capacity.
Focus Areas:
- COVID-19, rabies, and combination pediatric vaccines
- High-capacity, state-of-the-art biotech manufacturing
- Backed by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB)
🌟 4. Intas Biopharmaceuticals (Biologics Division) – Ahmedabad
While primarily known for biosimilars and biologics, Intas Pharmaceuticals is exploring strategic vaccine production capabilities, particularly oncology and therapeutic vaccines in R&D stage.
R&D Focus:
- Therapeutic vaccines for cancer
- Cell and gene therapy capabilities
- Biologics plant approved by MHRA, EMA, and USFDA
🌟 5. Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. – Dholka, Ahmedabad
Not to be confused with Zydus, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. has been active in novel vaccine R&D, particularly in neglected diseases and low-cost immunizations.
Noteworthy Contributions:
- First in India to launch a Rabies vaccine in dry powder form
- Focus on affordable vaccines for rural and low-resource settings
- WHO-compliant facilities at Dholka and Kadi (Gujarat)
🏗️ Emerging Vaccine R&D and Manufacturing Initiatives
🔹 Savli Biotech Park (Vadodara)
- Hosts vaccine startups and manufacturing units
- Supported by Gujarat State Biotechnology Mission (GSBTM) and DBT
- Provides pilot-scale production facilities and regulatory support
🔹 Gujarat Biotechnology University (GBU), Gandhinagar
- Collaborative vaccine research with international universities
- Focused on cutting-edge biotech curriculum and translational research
✅ Why Gujarat is Poised to Lead in Vaccine Manufacturing
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| 🌍 Global Compliance | WHO-GMP, USFDA, and EMA-certified plants |
| 🏭 Infrastructure | SEZs, biotech parks, cold chain logistics |
| 👩🔬 Talent Pool | Top biotech and pharmacy institutions |
| 📈 Policy Support | Gujarat Biotech Policy 2022 offers subsidies, fast-track clearances |