Cadila Pharmaceuticals (CPL), the Ahemedabad-based healthcare major, is going one step ahead in the Indian anti-rabies market by introducing the Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin G (ERIG) for the first time. ERIG, which instantly neutralizes the virus in and around the dog bite wound, is the most advanced technology for treating high-risk rabies infection.

'CARIG', a new brand from Cadila in the anti-rabies segment, which is likely to be launched next month, is a passive immunization agent after the bite by a rabies-infected animal. A product by the indigenous R & D programme of CPL, its use has been indicated by the WHO in case of third degree dog bite.

An important biological product for prevention of rabies infection, the Equine Rabies Immunoglobulin G (ERIG) should be used by doctors along with anti-rabies vaccine to treat severe animal bites (bite in the high-risk area especially above the chest).

Since India is one of the high endemic zones for rabies, the average annual requirement of anti-rabies serum in the country is around 1500 liters. CPL is currently one of the major players in the anti-rabies vaccine market with Verorab, which is a cell culture vaccine. The launch of CARIG is expected to fill the therapeutic gap in the fight against this killer disease.

The anti-rabies market in India as per ORG August, 2001 is Rs. 60 crore. However, due to direct purchases of anti-rabies vaccine by doctors, hospitals and institutions, it is estimated that only 40 per cent of the market is reflected in ORG retail audit. CPL's `Verorab' today enjoys 25 per cent of the ORG retail audit market.

Currently, Aventis Pharma is the leading player in the segment with more than 60 per cent market share for its brand 'Rabipur' and the Pune-based Serum Institute is another major marketing the vaccine in the country.