Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. and Serum Institute of India Private Limited advance Japanese encephalitis vaccine development in India following first milestone under technology transfer collaboration.
Written By: Pharmacally Medical News Desk
Meiji Seika Pharma Co., Ltd. and its group company KM Biologics Co., Ltd. have entered a technology collaboration with Serum Institute of India Private Limited to support the development and manufacturing of a Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine. The companies have now achieved the first milestone under this agreement.
The collaboration is based on a technology transfer from KM Biologics to Serum Institute of India. Following this milestone, Serum Institute will begin development activities in India for the JE vaccine currently manufactured and marketed by KM Biologics. The partners plan to advance development and establish local manufacturing and supply capabilities through Serum Institute.
Japanese encephalitis remains a major infectious disease across Asia, including India. The disease accounts for an estimated 100,000 clinical cases annually, with around 25,000 deaths, a case-fatality rate of up to 30%, and long-term neurological complications in 30–50% of survivors, primarily affecting children under 15. This significant disease burden continues to drive demand for reliable, large-scale vaccine supply under national immunization programs. Expanding domestic manufacturing capacity is expected to support consistent vaccine availability and strengthen public health response.
Meiji Seika Pharma and KM Biologics bring experience in vaccine research, development, manufacturing, and quality control. Serum Institute of India, recognized as one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers, offers large-scale production capacity. The collaboration aims to combine these capabilities to strengthen vaccine access.
The companies indicated that this partnership supports Meiji Seika Pharma’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Global South markets. By leveraging established distribution networks, particularly across Asia, the collaboration is expected to contribute to improved control of infectious diseases, including Japanese encephalitis.
Reference
Japanese encephalitis, World Health Organization (WHO), 06 August 2024, https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/japanese-encephalitis
KM Biologics Co. Ltd. Enters into a Technology Collaboration with Serum Institute of India, 28 April 2026, https://www.meiji.com/global/news/2026/pdf/260428_01.pdf
