On 30 January, in a significant step forward in Europe’s ability to respond swiftly to future health crises, Bilthoven Biologicals (BBio), member of the EUFab network, officially inaugurated its new pandemic preparedness manufacturing facilities. Hosted at Bilthoven Science Park and completed in just 12 months, the facilities reinforce Europe’s strategic health autonomy by bolstering vaccine manufacturing capacity and supporting EU-wide pandemic response efforts.
The facilities are equipped with cutting-edge drug substance (bulk antigen) purification, and fill/finish isolator technologies, enabling the efficient and rapid production of critical vector-based vaccines. Designed for multi-product manufacturing, the site has the capability to produce up to 300 million doses of vaccines per year and monoclonal antibodies. This expansion strengthens Europe’s preparedness for future health emergencies, contributing to a more resilient and responsive vaccine manufacturing infrastructure.
Speaking at the inauguration, HERA Director-General Laurent Muschel hailed the initiative as a model of public-private collaboration that strengthens Europe's resilience in the face of future pandemics: "Investments like these are essential to maintaining Europe’s leadership in vaccine innovation and manufacturing. By opening this new facility with the support of EUFab, Bilthoven Biologicals is making a key contribution to strengthening our collective preparedness".
The event was attended by key figures in the biopharmaceutical sector, including the CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), the CEO of Bilthoven Biologicals, the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and the Special Envoy for vaccines at the Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. Discussions during the ceremony highlighted the growing importance of international partnerships and resilient supply chains, particularly in light of Europe's recent medicine shortages.
This milestone builds on the European Commission’s broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s pharmaceutical resilience, as demonstrated by the EU's partnership with India on health security and supply chain cooperation under the EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC).
As global health security challenges continue to evolve, initiatives like the Bilthoven Biologicals pandemic preparedness facility serve as a powerful reminder of the critical importance of sustained investment and strategic collaboration in safeguarding public health.
As part of its core mandate, HERA remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring equal access to medical countermeasures for all European citizens. Looking ahead, one of HERA’s top priorities this year is the development of a new EU Strategy on Medical Countermeasures, designed to enhance preparedness and response capabilities across the continent.
This strategy will leverage key tools such as joint procurements, stockpiling, and innovative financial instruments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling emerging health threats. With risks ranging from antimicrobial resistance and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats to the impact of climate change, strengthening Europe’s resilience and readiness remains at the heart of HERA’s mission.
About EUFab
Developed by HERA, EUFab is a key initiative in pandemic preparedness, bringing together a network of leading vaccine manufacturers to maintain "ever-warm" production capacity for mRNA, vector-based, and protein-based vaccines. By connecting manufacturers and securing reserved production capacity, EUFab strengthens Europe’s ability to rapidly scale up vaccine production in response to public health emergencies. This initiative enhances the industry’s capability to manufacture lifesaving medicines, provides a priority right for vaccine manufacturing in times of crisis, and ensures a swift, coordinated response to future health threats.
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- Publication date
- 3 February 2025
- Author
- Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority