The freeze-drying machine at Onderstepoort Biological Products (OBP) which broke down about two years ago, will be repaired by June. After that, the company will be able to “produce vaccines at full steam” again.
Luvuyo Mabombo, the interim Chief Executive Officer of OBP, said at a media event at the company’s head offices that experts from Germany will visit the plant and repair the machine.
“The board has decided that OBP can no longer struggle forth with the smaller existing machine. Thus, the original manufacturer was approached to repair the machine. Another machine was also purchased which will be installed by next year and will more than double OBP’s output.”
Luvuyo said that OBP’s current output is around 65 000 vials per batch, but that the new machine will increase output to 120 000.
Dr Jacob Modumo, the Marketing, Sales and Business Development Officer, admitted that OBP was impaired by the broken equipment, as well as supply issues, but believes that this is a thing of the past.
“In the meantime, OBP has worked hard to improve the situation. The long production time of vaccines, which could sometimes last up to three to four months because of the different production processes that must be followed, also plays a role. There is also a problem between the production of vaccines and the outlets, which is now receiving attention.”
Luvuyo said that OBP is developing a system whereby customers can download an application to see product availability and order products. “We especially see a gap in the rural areas – precisely where the need is greatest. Hopefully, the new system will be able to fill this gap.”
Dr Modumo said that OBP is now fully busy producing vaccines again. “We are expecting to distribute African horse sickness vaccines every week from now on. The vaccine will be available uninterrupted from June.”
He also said that the vaccines that are currently being manufactured – which include ones for Three-day stiff sickness (B-Phemeral), Brucellosis (Brucella S19 and Brucella Rev.1), Enzootic Abortion (Chlamysure), Bluetongue, Rift Valley Fever (live and inactivated), and lumpy skin disease – will be made available from June.
“The rest of our products are already available and there will thus be enough vaccines in time for the coming summer rain season,” he said.
Dr Modumo emphasised that OBP has never had a shortage of the Rift Valley Fever vaccine, due to the serious nature of the disease.
He said that the company also has a lot of new products that still need to go through the registration process, but which will be made available within the next two to three years. “OBP’s most important focus is the national herd’s health. We have stopped exporting some of our vaccines to ensure that the national herd is protected.”
He said that OBP exports about 12 of its portfolio of 49 products. “Export, therefore, amounts to 25% of our sales. Our priority remains the local market,” he said.
