Bangkok: Thailand takes another step forward in vaccine security as the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registers the HPV 9-strain vaccine and Botulinum Antitoxin, supporting Thailand's ambition to become an ASEAN vaccine hub.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul participated in a public relations event showcasing the achievements in strengthening Thailand's vaccine production capacity. This event, organized by the National Vaccine Institute, Ministry of Public Health, is part of an operation aimed at enhancing vaccine security within the country and across the ASEAN region.

Ms. Rachada stated that the Prime Minister listened to the objectives of the event, highlighting significant strides made by Thailand in bolstering its vaccine and biological product production capabilities. These achievements are crucial for driving vaccine security at both national and ASEAN regional levels. Key milestones include the collaborative project for technology transfer in the production of a 9-strain HPV vaccine, which received FDA registration on July 24, 2026, and the research and development project for the production of Botulinum Antitoxin products, registered by the FDA on July 6, 2026.

For the 9-strain HPV vaccine, the National Vaccine Institute is spearheading a strategic collaboration with INNOVAX for technology transfer in vaccine production from 2024 to 2026. Since 2023, the company has supplied 2-strain HPV vaccines, producing 800,000 doses annually. This has allowed Thailand to secure vaccines for approximately 1.2 million unvaccinated children over three academic years. In terms of botulinum toxin serum, in collaboration with the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute of the Thai Red Cross Society, Thailand and ASEAN have developed and produced the Bivalent (AB) type for the first time. This achievement reduces reliance on imports, enhances emergency preparedness, and moves Thailand closer to becoming a regional Botulinum Antitoxin reserve center for ASEAN member countries and neighboring regions.