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| (Photo credit: myjoyonline) |
Atlantic Lifesciences, a Ghanaian company, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vins Bioproducts, an Indian firm, with the goal of producing anti-snake venom locally in Ghana. The objective of this collaboration is to save lives by ensuring the availability of life-saving vaccines to individuals who have been bitten by snakes, as snake bites can often lead to fatalities due to the lack of accessible treatments.
By signing the agreement, Vins Bioproducts will supply bulk quantities of anti-snake venom to facilitate the fill and finish production of the serum in Ghana. This will help reduce the burden on the government, as the need for continuous importation of the product will be minimized. The locally produced anti-snake venom, developed by Atlantic Lifesciences, will possess the ability to neutralize the effects of venoms from over 19 different species of snakes. Its polyvalent nature makes it suitable for cases where the exact type of snake responsible for the bite cannot be immediately determined.
This initiative aligns with the government's objective of positioning Ghana as a hub for vaccine manufacturing in Africa. The local production of anti-snake venom contributes to the government's wider goal of enhancing public health in the country. Dr. Nsiah Asare, the Presidential Advisor on Health, emphasized that snake bites pose a significant public health burden in Ghana. As part of the Vaccine Roadmap developed by the country, the government aims to establish Ghana as a leading manufacturer and exporter of vaccines in Africa.
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During the MoU signing at the National Vaccine Institute in Accra, Dr. Asare expressed confidence in the local production of vaccines and emphasized that the infrastructure and resources necessary for the production of anti-snake venom are already in place. Dhananjay Tripathi, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic Lifesciences, highlighted that snake bites are considered a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization and disproportionately affect rural communities.
Tripathi acknowledged the pivotal role played by Pharmanova and Atlantic Lifesciences in importing anti-snake venom on behalf of the government. He explained that their decision to embark on local production, particularly of anti-snake serum, dates back to 2017. This collaboration positions Ghana as the first country in West Africa to produce and package anti-snake venom for both local use and export.
Siddarth Daga, the Executive Director of Vins Bioproducts Limited, expressed their prominence as a leading vaccine producer and affirmed their commitment to this partnership. Through the joint efforts of Atlantic Lifesciences and Vins Bioproducts, the production of anti-snake venom locally in Ghana will contribute to the accessibility and availability of life-saving treatments for snake bites, bolstering public health initiatives in the country.
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