PM Stresses Need For Self-sufficiency In Vaccines

NILAI, Sept 4 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi Monday emphasised the urgent need for Malaysia to develop strategies for vaccine self-sufficiency and security in view of the tremendous increase in the prices of vaccines.
These strategies, vital to avert health crises in the country, should cover not only production of the vaccines but also research and development of new vaccines, he said.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony for the National Institute of Natural Products, Vaccines and Biologicals (9BIO) here, he said immunisation was still the most cost-effective way of preventing childhood mortality but vaccines against diseases particular to this region were expensive.
Abdullah said this has led to lack of access to vaccines in many parts of the world as many vaccines were marketed at prices that poor countries could hardly afford.
He also said that health-related products should comply with the religious beliefs of the communities in the country.
The prime minister said the setting up of 9BIO was the beginning of a partnership between an Islamic country and multinational companies in the production of vaccines.
"The OIC (Organisation of the Islamic Conference) countries, in particular, have been very receptive to this idea to fulfill the need for `halal' (permissible in Islam) vaccines around the world.
"This is one of the core functions of 9BIO, which adheres to ingredients and processes that are in line with the religious requirements of the Muslim community," he added.
Abdullah said this programme was crucial not only for general well-being but also for Malaysia's larger role in issues of health and development in the developing world.
He said the initial focus on vaccines would expand to include herbal medicines derived from Malaysia's rich biodiversity.
Abdullah also said that the government would unveil a set of biotechnology initiatives in the next few days, and these would encourage all players to answer the government's call for the establishment of a vibrant, competitive and innovative biotechnology industry in the country.
9BIO, a government company and one of the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) projects approved under the private financing initiatives (PFIs), is located on 25.1 hectares at the Enstek Technology Park, and will be fully operational in 2008.
The master plan for 9BIO consists of a new biocontainment research and development facility that includes laboratories, a vivarium space, a full service biomanufacturing facility that includes a wellness centre and an on-site residential facility.
Abdullah also witnessed the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoU) which form a part of the 9BIO strategic smart partnerships. 9BIO Director and Health Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Dr Nasir Mohd Ashraf signed the MoU with Fuad El-Hibri (representing Emergent Biosolutions Malaysia), Azhar Hussain (Pharmaniaga Logistics) and Datuk Lim Kang Hoo (Ukasa Bina), 9BIO Director and Director-General of Health Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican signed the MoU with Thyagarajan Venkatraman (Glaxo Smith Kline Pharmaceuticals) and Steven Ryan (Bee Health Asia Sdn Bhd).
Abdullah also witnessed the signing of a joint venture and shareholders agreement between Ekovest Berhad, a specialist contractor in the turnkey design-and-build concept represented by Datuk Lim Kang Hoo, and Faber Group Berhad, which was represented by Norizah Ahmad.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek and Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan were present at the ground-breaking ceremony.
Dr Chua told reporters 9BIO was a national project estimated to cost RM350 million that was expected to come up with the first local vaccine in 2010.
He said that when 9BIO was fully operational in 2008, it would begin with bulk imports as well as equip institute staff with knowledge and expertise to produce vaccines.
"At the preliminary stage, it can only meet domestic needs and is expected to step up production after five to 10 years," he said.
Dr Chua said 9BIO had the potential to spur national economic growth through vaccine production technology apart from being able to manufacture herbal products.
He said it was the objective to produce vaccines not just for the domestic market but for overseas consumption as well because the ministry has been appointed by the OIC as the primary agency to produce "halal" vaccines which were lacking in the OIC member countries.
9BIO would also ensure that the country had adequate supply of vaccines and did not have to depend on other countries, he added.
Earlier, in his speech, Dr Chua said 9BIO could use its expertise in biotechnology to develop vaccines for infectious diseases caused by the enterovirus and Nipah and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) viruses.
He also said that the ministry was in the final stage of producing a herb-based medication that could be used by Hepatitis C sufferers undergoing recovery to give them strength and immunity.