Fire At Serum Institute Of India, Won’t Affect Covishield Production

Pune: A fire broke out today at the Serum Institute of India (SII) at an under-construction facility. However, it is unlikely to hit the production of Covishield, the coronavirus vaccine developed by the SII in partnership with the Oxford University and British-Swedish pharma firm AstraZeneca.

Massive efforts are on to put out the blaze, as per sources, NDTV reported.

Manjari, the complex where the fire broke out, is a few minutes drive from the facility where the COVID vaccines are produced, sources said. It is believed to be part of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

About eight-nine buildings are being constructed at the Manjari complex to deal with the future pandemics, aimed to enhance the SII’s manufacturing capability.