Globe Biotech of Bangladesh Obtains US Patent for Bangavax

Globe Biotech Limited, a subsidiary of Globe Pharma Group of Companies, has obtained a United States patent for its homegrown Covid-19 vaccine Bangavax.

This is the first US patent in Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry since the country's independence 54 years ago, officials announced today (14 September) at a press conference titled "First US Patent in Bangladesh: A New Milestone in the Pharmaceutical Industry" at Globe Biotech's office.

Dr Kakon Nag, scientist at Globe Biotech, said Bangavax is the only single-dose mRNA vaccine developed in Bangladesh.

He noted that 165 countries are bound by the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) regulations, and Bangladesh will gain TRIPS privileges by November next year.

"The US patent opens doors to use this technology for other drugs and export them globally. We received the US patent on 26 August," he said.

Kakon said Globe Biotech, established in 2015 to develop biologics, novel drugs and biosimilars for diseases such as cancer, arthritis, anaemia, hypertension and autoimmune disorders, began research on Covid-19 diagnostic kits, vaccines and therapeutics in 2020, led by him and Dr Naznin Sultana.

He added that the patented technology can also be used to develop DNA, subunit/protein, inactivated virus and recombinant virus vaccines, as well as treatments for cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders and blood diseases.

The scientist called for support from industry leaders and the government in this regard.

Meanwhile, Sitesh Chandra Bachar, professor of pharmacy at the University of Dhaka, said the single-dose vaccine generated sufficient antibodies during monkey trials, adding that greater government support for research would have been beneficial.

Scientists at the press conference said Bangavax was the first vaccine trial in Bangladesh conducted on monkeys, and it was found to be completely safe and effective.

Significance of patent

As a result of this achievement, Bangladesh will be able to produce and supply effective and safe vaccines at low cost using its own technology.

In addition to meeting domestic demand, the vaccines can also be exported, earning foreign currency.

Experts believe that this innovation will play a key role in addressing post-LDC graduation challenges in 2026 and aligning with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Patent details

The patent obtained by Globe Biotech covers a novel, self-developed mRNA vaccine technology.

Using nanotechnology, this is the world's only single-dose Covid-19 vaccine effective against multiple variants, Globe's scientists said.