An educational, scientific, and production complex should be created at the Vitebsk Biopharma Plant - A. Kosinets

December 11, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA /. A powerful educational, scientific and production complex should be created on the basis of the Vitebsk Biopharmaceutical Plant with the participation of the Vitebsk Academy of Veterinary Medicine and the Vitebsk Medical University. This task was set by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets, following a visit to the biopharmaceutical plant, where a large-scale reconstruction is being completed, according to a BELTA correspondent. The reconstruction and technical re-equipment of the biopharmaceutical plant are carried out in accordance with the state program for the development of the production of veterinary drugs and instruments used in veterinary medicine. The commissioning of the main production complex with a total area of 18.7 thousand sq.m and its equipping with modern technological equipment will allow the enterprise to achieve import substitution up to 70% of bioproducts used in domestic veterinary medicine, as well as to increase production volume by 8 times. The Vitebsk Biopharmaceutical Plant should become a modern high-tech enterprise that will hold leading positions in the country in the production of veterinary drugs. The quality and safety of agricultural products will ultimately depend on the effectiveness of its work, emphasized Alexander Kosinets. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure scientific support for production, combining the capabilities of the enterprise with the innovative potential of educational institutions in Vitebsk. To this end, it is necessary to create departments of specialized universities on the basis of the biopharmaceutical plant, organize student training and provide the necessary conditions for the work of teachers and researchers. "By ensuring the connection between theory and practice, we will create the future for the enterprise and turn the region into a major pharmaceutical region," Alexander Kosinets is confident. At the same time, the head of the region expressed dissatisfaction with the delays in the reconstruction of the enterprise, which was planned to be completed by the end of 2009. The first construction phase was commissioned in 2007, which allowed for the mastering of hyperimmune serum production. Currently, commissioning and setup work is underway at the second construction phase, and the reconstruction of the third construction phase is being completed simultaneously. The readiness of these facilities is about 65%, about Br105 billion of investments out of Br140 billion has been mastered, while the enterprise does not experience financing problems. According to the director of the biopharmaceutical plant, Arkady Yudasin, the facility turned out to be more complex than initially expected. Alexander Kosinets demanded that all measures be taken to eliminate the restraining factors, properly adjust the technology of work, and ensure the commissioning of the facility by April 2010. At the same time, it is necessary to launch production at the second construction phase by the end of the current year, and all work should be carried out taking into account the prospect of certifying production according to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. The Vitebsk Biopharmaceutical Plant was founded in 1930. The enterprise specializes in the production of complex therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic preparations for veterinary medicine. -0-