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Statens Serum Institut (SSI,lit. The State's Serum Institute), is aDanishsector research institute located on the island ofAmager inCopenhagen. Its purpose is to combat andpreventinfectious diseases,congenital disorders, and threats fromweapons of mass destruction.[1]
Founded in 1902 in thebarracks of the Artillerivej road, it has now expanded to much more than its original size and is now one of Denmark's largest research institutions in the health sector. 20% of sales are used onResearch and Development and Danish and International funds contribute around 100 millionDKK.[2]
Administratively, the State Serum Institute sorts under the DanishMinistry of Health and Prevention underminister of health. VirologistHerdis von Magnus headed the institute's enterovirus department in 1955 and led the development and distribution of the polio vaccine in Denmark.[3]
Thepresident andCEO of the institute has since 2020 beenHenrik Ullum, preceded byKåre Mølbak. The Department ofEpidemiology plays a large role in the surveillance and tracking ofinfectious disease outbreaks in Denmark allowing for comprehensive monitoring of Danish public health.[4] Apart from research intoepidemiology and disease prevention, the institute also develops and producesvaccines, and is an integral part of the DanishABC-preparedness operation. The institute has successfully produced the vaccines:BCG vaccine Danish Strain 1331 againsttuberculosis, diTeBooster for revaccination, and VeroPol which is aninactivated poliomyelitis virus vaccine(IPV) that producesantibodies after primary vaccination forpoliovirus 1, 2, and 3.[5]
Apart from work in Denmark, Statens Serum Institut is also involved in health promotion and monitoring inGuinea-Bissau, as maintained by theBandim Health Project.
Mainlydoctors,pharmaconomists (expert in pharmaceuticals) andpharmacists work at the National Serum Institute. A total of 385 people at SSI are engaged in research. SSI contributes each year over 30 master students and 10-15 PhDs. In 2009, the institute made 326 publications, 279 of which had an impact factor.[5] 74 of these publications were related to topics ofinfectious disease; an area of study that the institute is focusing on in preparation for new resistant strain emergence due toantibiotic resistance.[2][6]
SSI has transferred its vaccine production business to AJ Vaccines. AJ Vaccines will continue to produce vaccines on SSI's facility. SSI, under the auspices of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, will continue to be responsible for ensuring the supply of vaccines to the Danish vaccination programmes.[7]
