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Belarus to finalize BelVitunipharm vaccine production project by 2030

MINSK, 15 August (BelTA) – A major investment project at the BelVitunipharm enterprise is to be implemented by 2030, Vitebsk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Subbotin said following a meeting with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko on the development of biopharmaceuticals, BelTA has learned.

One of the key topics discussed during the meeting with the head of state was the strategic development of BelVitunipharm, the country's largest veterinary biotechnology company. Currently, the company manufactures 150 types of veterinary drugs, including 26 biological products.
 
The discussion particularly focused on an investment project to establish medical vaccine production, as outlined in Presidential Decree No. 430 of 2021. However, implementation has faced challenges, including delays in completing the vaccine production complex, leaving expensive equipment idle.

Aleksandr Lukashenko demanded a clear decision on how to proceed: whether to complete construction independently, attract an investor or utilize underused medical production facilities already available in Vitebsk Oblast.

According to Aleksandr Subbotin, the enterprise has the most critical resource – skilled personnel. “We have schools of pharmacologists, microbiologists, virology schools are emerging. This expertise is invaluable and the project aims to preserve and expand these scientific capabilities,” he said.

However, financial constraints remain a challenge, which was addressed at the presidential level. The Vitebsk Oblast governor stated that finalized funding proposals would soon be submitted to the president. Notably, the idea of involving foreign investors has been abandoned due to the sensitive nature of biopharmaceutical security. “Caution is essential, as this concerns the biological safety of our nation, people and livestock. Biotechnology is humanity's future, so we must lead in this field or risk being left behind,” Aleksandr Subbotin emphasized.

Regarding timelines, he clarified: “Everything must be operational by 2030.” By then, the project aims to complete the vaccine production plant, integrate purchased equipment for recombinant veterinary drugs and design a new facility for biotech anticancer drugs based on monoclonal antibodies and nasal vaccines.

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