Bangladesh's Globe Biotech has achieved a significant milestone by securing a US patent for its COVID-19 vaccine, Bangavax, marking the first international patent for a vaccine from Bangladesh's pharmaceutical sector.

The vaccine's technology, published in Nature and recognized by WHO in 2020, can be adapted for various platforms including DNA, protein, inactivated, and recombinant virus, and has potential applications for cancer, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases.

The company announced this achievement during a press conference held at their headquarters in Dhaka's Tejgaon Industrial Area.

The patent was officially announced on September 14, 2025, at Globe Pharmaceuticals' headquarters, after the company applied for it on September 14, 2021, and received it on August 26, 2025, with a priority claim under the Paris Convention.

Key figures at the event included scientists and executives from Globe Biotech, Globe Pharmaceuticals, and Delta Pharma, emphasizing the importance of this breakthrough.

Globe Biotech leadership stated that weak patent laws in Bangladesh motivated their US patent application to safeguard their innovations and facilitate global expansion.

The company highlighted the potential for vaccine exports to generate foreign exchange and earn international respect, with interest from 23 countries, including ASEAN nations.

With adequate government support, Globe Biotech estimates it could have secured orders worth $5 billion during the pandemic, reflecting strong international interest.

Despite the success, the company faced delays in regulatory approval and human trial permissions, which they attributed to issues with government support.

Globe Biotech views the patent as an acknowledgment of Bangladesh’s technological capabilities and anticipates final testing for public availability.