Panacea wins contract worth $127 million from WHO, PAHO to supply pentavalent vaccine

Vaccine maker Panacea Biotec said it has received long-term supply contract worth $127.30 million (around INR 1,040 Crore) from UNICEF and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) for supply of its WHO pre-qualified fully liquid Pentavalent vaccine, Easyfive-TT (DTwP-HepB-Hib). UNICEF award is worth $99 million for supply of 99.70 million doses during calendar years 2023-2027 and PAHO award is worth $28.55 million for supply 24.83 million doses during calendar years 2023-2025. Easyfive-TT was launched in India in 2005.

After receiving WHO prequalification in 2008, more than 150 million doses have been supplied to over 75 countries globally. EasyFive-TT is a ready-to-use combination vaccine that does not require preparation by healthcare workers at the clinic, reduces the number of visits to vaccination centres, and reduces the overall cost of immunisation for all stakeholders. The vaccine protects children against five deadly diseases: Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B and invasive infections caused by Haemophilus Influenza Type b. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, envisages the target to reduce under-five mortality rate to less than 25 per 1000 live births.