Serum Institute of India to make up to 100,000 investigational Oxford Rift Valley fever vaccine doses.

Rift Valley fever is a potentially deadly viral disease currently affecting West Africa.

Doses manufactured by Serum Institute of India could be set aside for testing to combat the outbreak and future Rift Valley fever emergencies.

The epidemic preparedness organisation CEPI helped spearhead the agreement.

OSLO/OXFORD/PUNE, 13 Jan—With support from the epidemic preparedness organisation CEPI, Serum Institute of India (SII), part of Cyrus Poonawalla group, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, has entered into a licensing arrangement with the University of Oxford to create the largest-ever reserve of an investigational Rift Valley fever vaccine ready for testing. The collaboration comes amid a deadly outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease in Senegal and Mauritania.

Under the agreement SII will manufacture up to 100,000 doses of the University of Oxford’s investigational vaccine candidate, ChAdOx1 RVF. An initial 10,000 doses are planned to be used in a potential upcoming clinical trial assessing the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate in outbreak-affected areas. The remaining doses will be stored as an investigational reserve available for clinical testing to generate further evidence in  future outbreaks.  

In a major milestone for rapid vaccine production, SII has already filled and labelled 12,000 vials of the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine just 16 days after receiving the essential ingredients.

This collaboration is a joint effort between CEPI, SII and University of Oxford. SII is one of CEPI’s preferred vaccine manufacturing collaborators and CEPI and Oxford hold a strategic partnership, with CEPI already supporting the development of ChAdOx1 RVF and other vaccines. As part of this agreement, CEPI is providing up to $3.5m to develop and manufacture the doses and create the vaccine reserve.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), said: “COVID-19 powerfully showed us that we need to get ahead of  fast-spreading viruses before they get ahead of us. This collaboration embodies that principle. Two of the world’s most distinguished vaccine institutes have worked together to mobilise and manufacture thousands of doses of a Rift Valley fever’s vaccine candidate in a matter of weeks. This is exactly the kind of speed and collaboration CEPI has been planning for – serving as a blueprint for the 100 Days Mission and how others can act swiftly to counter emerging threats.”

“Producing these doses at speed is a necessary step to ensure that vaccine candidates like ChAdOx1 RVF can be delivered when and where they’re most needed,” shared Dr. Umesh Shaligram, Executive Director, Serum Institute of India. “We’ve worked closely with CEPI and the University of Oxford to make this possible on an accelerated timeline, recognising the urgency of the outbreak and the broader need for epidemic preparedness.”

Rift Valley fever mainly affects livestock, however people have fallen ill in Africa and the Middle East after coming into contact with infected animals or being bitten by infected mosquitoes. While most cases are mild, severe infections can cause brain inflammation and severe bleeding which can prove fatal. Beyond the direct health consequences, Rift Valley fever can severely impact the wellbeing and livelihoods of pastoral farmers in affected regions, as infections in animals can lead to devastating livestock and economic losses.

ChAdOx1 RVF is among the most advanced vaccine candidates being developed to protect people against Rift Valley fever. Findings from a new vaccine trial could add to clinical research already taking place on ChAdOx1 RVF in Kenya and bring the world closer to the first licensed human Rift Valley fever vaccine.

Professor George Warimwe, lead of the Rift Valley fever vaccine programme, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, said: “Rift Valley fever is a devastating and often forgotten disease, affecting the lives and livelihoods of communities in many parts of Africa. It means a great deal to know that our research can now move beyond the lab and towards helping people directly. This collaboration with the Serum Institute of India makes that possible – turning years of scientific effort into something with real potential to save lives.”

Matt Carpenter, Deputy Head of Licensing and Ventures for Life Sciences at Oxford University Innovation, said: “We are proud to have supported the University at this critical time, requiring swift actions that led to the licensing arrangement of this vital vaccine with Serum Institute of India. It’s a fantastic example of how Oxford’s research can be translated into global health impact, especially in response to urgent outbreaks.”

Professor Thierno Balde, Regional Incident Manager for the RVF Response Operation, WHO Regional Office for Africa said: “During Rift Valley fever outbreaks communities face significant health societal and economic consequences in the African region. This collaboration demonstrates how collaborators can come together during emergencies to enable evidence generation that is essential for protecting populations at risk.”

Dr Ibrahima Socé Fall, CEO of the Institut Pasteur de Dakar in Sénégal said,

“The current Rift Valley fever outbreak underscores the urgent need for better tools to protect people and communities at risk. Having an investigational vaccine stockpile ready and close to where outbreaks occur is a critical step to enable rapid clinical evaluation and timely response. At Institut Pasteur de Dakar, we see this as a concrete example of how strong international collaboration can accelerate preparedness, support affected populations, and move us closer to effective solutions against emerging epidemic threats.”

In the latest outbreak, over 610 cases of Rift Valley fever have now been reported in Senegal and Mauritania with 47 deaths.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

ChAdOx1 RVF has completed Phase I trials in the UK and Uganda. Results published from the UK and Uganda trials show it was safe and generated an immune response. A CEPI-supported Phase II trial, separate to the upcoming planned trial, began in Kenya last year.

About Serum Institute of India Private Limited

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, is a global leader in vaccine manufacturing, dedicated to providing affordable vaccines worldwide. Present across 170+ countries, including the US, UK, and Europe, SIIPL holds the distinction of being the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. SIIPL’s multifunctional production and one-of-the-largest facility in Manjri, Pune, with an annual capacity of 4 billion doses, has saved over 30 million lives over the years. 

Founded in 1966, SIIPL’s primary mission is to produce life-saving immunobiological drugs, with a particular emphasis on affordability and accessibility. Guided by a strong commitment to improving global health, the company has played a pivotal role in reducing the prices of essential vaccines, such as Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, HIB, BCG, r-Hepatitis B, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella. Notably, they are the manufacturers of ‘Pneumosil,’ the world’s most affordable PCV, and the first indigenous qHPV vaccine in India. Moreover, SIIPL has been at the forefront of the global fight against COVID-19, delivering over 2 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccine worldwide.

To further expand its global presence and ensure widespread vaccine availability, SIIPL has established Serum Life Sciences Ltd, a subsidiary in the UK. Through relentless pursuit of innovation, SIIPL continues to champion the cause of affordable vaccines, making a positive impact on the lives of millions worldwide. www.seruminstitute.com

About the University of Oxford

The University of Oxford is a world leader in vaccine research and development having developed several vaccines for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, including the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and the ChAdOx1 RVF candidate. The University’s mission is to develop vaccines that improve global health, particularly for diseases that burden low- and middle-income countries.

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2025. At the heart of this success are the twin-pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer. Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research alongside our personalised approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

About CEPI

CEPI is an innovative partnership between public, private, philanthropic, and civil organisations. Its mission is to accelerate the development of vaccines and other biologic countermeasures against epidemic and pandemic threats so they can be accessible to all people in need. CEPI has supported the development of more than 70 vaccine candidates or platform technologies against multiple known high-risk pathogens or a future Disease X. Central to CEPI’s pandemic-beating plan is the ‘100 Days Mission’ to compress the time taken to develop safe, effective and accessible vaccines against new threats to just 100 days. Learn more at CEPI.net.  

Press Contact Details:

Serum Institute of India Private Limited

Email: media.enquiries@seruminstitute.com

The University of Oxford

Email: Lucy.Pritchard@ndm.ox.ac.uk, Head of Communications, Nuffield Department of Medicine

CEPI

Email: press@cepi.net | Phone: +44 7387 055214