The China-based Zhejiang Pukang Biotechnology Company Ltd, which has recently tied up with Wockhardt to market its hepatitis A vaccine in India, is expected to launch a human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine in three years, Dr Fangcheng Zhuang, deputy director of the company told Pharmabiz.

HPV is a common infection that affects skin and mucous membranes, and is the cause of warts. Approximately 100 viral types of HPV have been identified, and about one third of these are associated with sexually transmitted genital infections. HPV infection can be clinical (symptomatic) or sub-clinical (asymptomatic).

Human papilloma virus is an important target for vaccine development because it is a necessary virus for the induction of cervical cancer. In addition, HPV is associated with at least a quarter of head and neck cancers, and in all cases of rectal cancer related to anal intercourse. HPV also causes genital and non-genital warts and respiratory infections in adults and children.

With technical support from Zhejiang Academy of Medical Science, the company is mainly engaged in the production of live attenuated hepatitis A vaccine small volume injection and freeze-dried powder injections. The company is launching the hepatitis A vaccine in India through Wockhardt. The marketing partner will be introducing the vaccine in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Vietnam.

“Zhejiang will also be introducing hepatitis A vaccine in Philippines soon”, Dr Zhuang added.

The company is also working on a rabies vaccine, which is expected to be launched by mid 2006. Zhejiang has about 70 scientists out of the total 150 employees. It has a research and development centre and a GMP certified manufacturing facility in China.