Globe Biotech Limited, a subsidiary of Globe Pharma Group of Companies, has achieved a historic milestone by securing the first United States patent in Bangladesh's pharmaceutical industry since the country's independence 54 years ago. The patent, granted on August 26, covers the company's homegrown COVID-19 vaccine Bangavax, representing a breakthrough in Bangladesh's scientific and technological capabilities.
Revolutionary Single-Dose mRNA Technology
Bangavax stands out as the world's only single-dose mRNA vaccine proven effective against multiple COVID-19 variants, according to Globe Biotech's scientists. Dr. Kakon Nag, scientist at Globe Biotech, emphasized that this is the only single-dose mRNA vaccine developed in Bangladesh, utilizing advanced nanotechnology to achieve its effectiveness.
The vaccine underwent successful trials on monkeys, marking the first vaccine trial in Bangladesh conducted on primates. During these trials, Bangavax was found to be completely safe and effective, with Professor Sitesh Chandra Bachar from the University of Dhaka noting that the single-dose vaccine generated sufficient antibodies during monkey trials.
Comprehensive Patent Coverage
The newly granted US patent encompasses 30 invention claims covering the vaccine's nanotechnology-based platform. This comprehensive protection extends beyond COVID-19 applications, as the patented technology can be adapted to develop vaccines using DNA, subunit/protein, inactivated virus, and recombinant virus technologies.
Dr. Kakon Nag explained that the platform technology can also be utilized to develop treatments for cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and blood diseases, significantly expanding the potential applications of this breakthrough innovation.
Research Foundation and Development Timeline
Globe Biotech, established in 2015 with a state-of-the-art research laboratory, focuses on biologics, novel drugs, and biosimilars for diseases including cancer, arthritis, anemia, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders. The company's COVID-19 research initiative began in 2020, led by Dr. Kakon Nag and Dr. Naznin Sultana, encompassing the development of diagnostic kits, vaccines, and therapeutics.
The vaccine's development followed rigorous scientific protocols, with the complete coding sequence of the vaccine's target first published in the NCBI database (USA) in 2020. Research papers were subsequently published in prestigious journals including Vaccine (Elsevier, USA) and Scientific Reports (Nature, UK). The World Health Organization (WHO) officially included Bangavax in its list of COVID-19 vaccines in 2020.
Bangavax received trial approval from both the Bangladesh Medical Research Council (BMRC) and the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), ensuring compliance with national regulatory standards.
Strategic Implications for Bangladesh
The patent achievement carries significant implications for Bangladesh's pharmaceutical landscape and economic future. As Dr. Kakon Nag noted, 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," Dr. Nag stated, highlighting the potential for international market expansion.
The innovation enables Bangladesh to produce and supply effective and safe vaccines at low cost using domestic technology. Beyond meeting domestic demand, the vaccines can be exported to international markets, generating foreign currency revenue for the country.
Future Outlook and Industry Impact
Experts believe this breakthrough will play a crucial role in addressing post-LDC graduation challenges in 2026 and aligning with the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The patent positions Bangladesh to leverage its scientific capabilities as the country transitions from least-developed country status.
The achievement reduces Bangladesh's dependency on pharmaceutical imports while establishing the foundation for advanced vaccine production capabilities. Dr. Kakon Nag called for continued support from industry leaders and the government to maximize the potential of this technological advancement.
This milestone demonstrates Bangladesh's growing capacity for innovative pharmaceutical research and development, setting a precedent for future scientific achievements in the country's healthcare sector.
