The Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness for Innovation (CEPI), a worldwide initiative focusing on the development of vaccines, has recently recognized Faridabad’s Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) as one of their six laboratories assigned to evaluate Covid-19 vaccine candidates.
The Six Laboratories Initiative
CEPI’s network is currently composed of six labs situated in various countries including Canada, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and India. These labs are tasked with utilizing the same reagents, substances that trigger chemical reactions, and adhering to a uniform set of protocols to accurately measure the immune response generated by numerous vaccine candidates that are under development and trial. This approach simultaneously streamlines the vaccine trial process and permits a comparison between different vaccine candidates, ultimately aiding in the rapid selection of the most promising candidate.
Role of THSTI
THSTI is entrusted with providing validated assays for vaccine development according to global standards. An assay refers to an analysis conducted to determine the relative strength of a substance, in this case, a drug, by comparing its effect on a test organism to that of a standard preparation. Here, a bioassay is utilised, which is essentially an experimental estimation of a substance’s potency based on its biological effects on a living organism.
About Coalition of Epidemic Preparedness for Innovation (CEPI)
CEPI is a global partnership that was launched in 2017 with the purpose of developing vaccines to prevent future epidemics. It was founded in Davos, Switzerland, by various notable organizations including the governments of Norway and India, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust, and the World Economic Forum. In alignment with CEPI’s missions, the Government of India’s Department of Biotechnology, under the Ministry of Science & Technology, is carrying out the IndCEPI mission, which is aimed at supporting Indian vaccine development for epidemic preparedness.
About Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI)
THSTI is an autonomous institute that falls under the Department of Biotechnology. Its headquarters are located in Faridabad, a city in Haryana, India. It is presently playing a crucial role in testing and evaluating potential vaccine candidates for Covid-19 as part of the global initiative led by CEPI.
Overall Impact
The collaborative effort between global laboratories and organizations such as CEPI marks a critical step in combating the pandemic. It not only aids in the swift development and distribution of an effective vaccine but also bridges gaps between international biomedical communities, fostering a unified approach against common health threats.
