Human Biologicals Institute (HBI), a Hyderabad-based subsidiary of the National Diary Development Board (NDDB), in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science, is working on a DNA anti-rabies vaccine for animals.

The vaccine, to be launched in the market in six months, will be the first of its kind in the world, according to managing director of HBI, V K Balasubramainaim. The company has recently launched Elovac-B recombinant hepatitis-B vaccine.

Prof G Padmanaban, scientist emeritus and former director, Indian Institute of Science, said that the work on the vaccine had been on for a few years and in the wake of certain objections raised by the animal ethics committee and the genetic engineering committee, there were delays in coming out with it. However, he confirmed that the vaccine will, soon be launched.

The Elovac-B recombinant Hepatitis-B vaccine was launched by Karnataka principal secretary, health and family welfare, Usha Ganesh in Bangalore.

IISc has been engaged in many industry- institute initiatives. The notable projects are : IISc and Hyderabad's Indian Immunologicals Limited which developed the novel combination vaccine for rabies. Molecular Reproduction Development and Genetics department of IISc is developing two hormones: FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) known as Chorionic Gonadotropine and Human Growth Hormone in an alliance with Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd. IISc's Department of Microbiology and Cell Biology has developed a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic methodology to detect the BRCA1/2 mutations carriers that cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancers in the country. IISc department of biochemistry group led by Dr Utpal Tatu has found a new drug target, which is known to interfere with the malarial parasite, Plasmodium falciparum. The drug target, benzoquinone ansamycin is known to interfere with heat shock protein. The effect of the drug is specific to the malarial parasite and it does not have such an adverse effect on humans.

There is a lot more research to go in. However Dr Tatu's team is now open for a dialogue with promising pharmaceutical companies that can spot the potential for a novel drug to treat malaria. The DBT has selected the IISc to undertake exhaustive research on the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.