Vitebsk Biopharma Factory to Master Production of Import-Substituting Viral Vaccines in 2010

April 10, Vitebsk region / Diana Kurilo - BELTA /. Private production unitary enterprise "Vitebsk Biopharma" will begin mastering the production of veterinary viral vaccines in 2010, which have not been produced in Belarus before. This was announced today to a BELTA correspondent by the enterprise director Arkady Yudasin. The import-substituting drugs are designed to protect farm animals and poultry from viral infections. Their development was carried out by the Research Institute of Experimental Veterinary Medicine named after Vyshelevsky. Mastering the new type of product will become possible thanks to the completion of the biopharma reconstruction. Large-scale work began in 2006. More than Br100 billion has already been invested in their implementation. The reconstruction includes the construction of a main production complex with a total area of 18.7 thousand sq.m and the equipping of new production facilities with modern technological equipment, which will subsequently allow for certification in accordance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) requirements, thereby increasing the enterprise's export potential. Upon completion of the reconstruction in 2009, the enterprise will produce marketable products worth Br40 billion, with half of it being import-substituting. Vitebsk Biopharma was founded in 1930. It specializes in the production of complex therapeutic, prophylactic, and diagnostic preparations for veterinary medicine. According to the results of the first quarter of 2009, the production growth rate compared to the corresponding period of 2008 was 123.1%. Products worth Br2.3 billion were produced at comparable prices. The enterprise's net profit in the first quarter was Br70 million, with a profitability of 12%. -0-