Chiron Panacea Vaccines has launched hepatitis A vaccine HAVpur, a new generation version with virosome technology. Virosome uses a biodegradable delivery system and is the most natural way of presenting the antigens to the immune system of the body. They elicit high immune response keeping jaundice at bay and score well over conventional vaccines on pain parameters and have got a good safety profile. Currently, these vaccines are available in more than 40 countries.

The vaccine is being marketed in India by Chiron Panacea Vaccines, a strategic joint venture of Novartis Vaccines (formerly Chiron) and Panacea Biotech, the two leading vaccine companies. Berna Biotech has partnered with Chiron Panacea Vaccines in India for marketing this novel vaccine.

Incidences of 'jaundice' the commonest symptom for hepatitis caused by hepatitis A virus has been rampant. Fuelling this rising incidence is the low level of awareness for vaccination during childhood and propelled by the fear of possible side effects like pain, swelling and fever. Vaccination is currently the only method for protection against hepatitis A.

"The first step to prevent hepatitis A is to vaccinate the child during the second year of age. The availability of HAVpur with virosome technology, in India, will help tackle hepatitis A," stated Dr Christian Herzog, director, Medical Services, Berna Biotech, Switzerland.

According to Dr S G Kasi, consultant paediatrician and past president, Bangalore Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Bangalore Paediatric Society, until 15 years ago hepatitis A was considered as the disease of the childhood as most people got exposed to the infection after five years. However, in the last five years, prevalence of hepatitis A is also being observed in the older age group of people between 15-20 years. Many a time, the infection goes undiagnosed, as the symptoms at an early age are generally subdued.

Chiron Panacea Vaccines is a 50:50 joint venture company, between Novartis Vaccines (Earlier known as Chiron Vaccines) and Panacea Biotech. Chiron Panacea Vaccines is dedicated to provide protection through innovation to the children of India. The company has introduced the innovative fully liquid paediatric combination vaccines for the first time ever in India. The present portfolio of vaccines being marketed are Enivac HB Safsy (hepatitis B Vaccine in Auto- disable device), Ecovac 4 (Tetravalent vaccine - DTwP- Hep B), and fully liquid Easy Four (DTwP-Hib) and Easy Five (DTwP- Hep B-Hib). The Hib expertise also makes the company the leader in this segment in India.