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Second Place

Light at the end of the multi-decadal vaccine tunnel

The race for a rotavirus vaccine has forced the government to change the rules of the game in a booming vaccine market. Bharat Biotech has the first-mover advantage but Serum Institute could have the last laugh

04/05/17

Ruhi Kandhari

The lowest bidder will supply 60% of the vaccines, while the second lowest will meet the remaining government demand

On 28 March, the ministry of health closed its first bid to buy 14.5 million doses of rotavirus vaccine for Rs 104.13 crore

Bharat Biotech will supply Rotavac in 10-dose vials, which results in 35-40% wastage, ​while the Serum Institute intends supplying the vaccine in 2-dose vials

Both Bharat Biotech and the Serum Institute are trying to get pre-qualified with the WHO to enter the global supply chain

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The negotiation was a simple one. Vaccine makers needed an assured market, and the government, assured supply. Until recently, the lowest bidder for a government tender took it all. Not anymore. The supplier who scores the second place also has value.

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