GSK Biologicals, the vaccine manufacturing arm of GSK Pharmaceuticals Limited has announced plans for the introduction of an array of new age vaccines against problems affecting the developing world. The company has begun clinical trials for its rotavirus vaccine 'Rotarix' and expects to receive marketing approval for it in India by next year. It also plans to launch its cervical cancer vaccine in the country in a couple of years.

Informing this, Dr Sanjoy K. Datta, director, clinical R&D and medical affairs GSK said that the rotavirus vaccine was already approved in 20 countries and would soon be available in India.

Addressing a media education programme, Datta underlined the importance of vaccines in prevention of infant mortality in the developing world. Dr Beatrice De Vos, director, WW medical affairs, GSK made a presentation on 'Rotavirus, a global need for vaccination'. Prof C H Wirsing Von Koenig, director, Institute for Hygiene and Laboratory Medicine, Municipal Hospital, Krefeld, FRG talked about the importance of pertussis boosting in children.

The company also announced the launch of its booster pertussis vaccine 'Boostrix.' The new vaccine comprises acellular pertussis reduced, diphtheria toxoid reduced and tetanus toxoid (dTpa) and has been registered for use in children over the age of 4 years who have already received their primary DTP doses.

GSK is currently marketing a wide range of vaccines in the area of polio, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, haemophilus influenza, meningitis, MMR and chicken pox.

The company is soon to have a state-of-the-art vaccine manufacturing facility in Nashik, Maharashtra. The plant is being built to cater to the future needs of the Indian market.