Adar Poonawalla

The Maharashtra government urged the Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla on May 3 to lodge a police complaint against the 'pressure and aggression' that he received through alleged threats. While the state government also assured an in-depth probe into the matter, the Maharashtra Congress representatives also assured of complete protection to Poonawalla. Reportedly, Poonawalla and his family soon fled to the UK to escape the COVID-19… read-more

Vaccine-maker Serum Institute of India (SII)'s CEO Adar Poonawalla has been granted Y-category security by the Home Ministry. Based on the threat perception report and to be handled by the CRPF, the security cover will include 11 personnel comprising CRPF commandos and policemen. SII is responsible for manufacturing 'Covishield' vaccine, whose rate was recently cut for states, from Rs 400 to Rs 300, after Poonawalla announced it on April 28… read-more

The Serum Institute of India is planning to launch another COVID-19 vaccine 'Covovax' by August 2021. Developed by Novavax, an American vaccine maker, the Covovax will be stockpiled by the SII, for its testing on the Indian population, starting from April. Speaking at the Bloomberg Equity Index, SII CEO Adar Poonawalla said Covovax distribution will start after receiving the government’s nod. Poonawalla added that the global COVAX facility is… read-more

A day after the fire outbreak at its Pune-based plant, the Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla has admitted a financial loss of Rs 1,000 crore. Adar said, "The fire has damaged machinery installed for rotavirus and BCG vaccine production." However, has assured that the production facility of COVID-19 vaccine - Covishield - has not been affected. Moreover, three to four floors of the SII facility were damaged.

Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla on December 31 stated that the Covishield vaccine would be sold at Rs 440 ($6) in the government stores. However, the prices at private markets have been estimated at around Rs 700-800. The SII got approval for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine in the UK on December 30. Reportedly, 40 million doses of Covishield vaccine have already been manufactured.