The Hyderabad-based vaccine major, Indian Immunologicals Ltd is planning to introduce five vaccines in the market within the next 18 months. The company is currently carrying out clinical trials on Hepatitis B vaccine and is expecting to launch the vaccine by August 2005.

The company is also set to launch separate vaccines for DPT and Measles by December 2005. IIL is hoping to launch the DNA rabies vaccine in the veterinary segment by early 2006. A combination vaccine (DPT + Hep B) is planned to be launched by the end of 2006, KV Balasubramaniam, managing director of IIL told Pharmabiz.

IIL is intending to launch Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine for sheep during the second half of calendar year 2005. Technology transfer has been made by NRDC. Asia and Africa can be potential export markets for this vaccine. The virus that causes the disease belongs to the morbillivirus group of the paramyxovirus family of viruses. To date, genetic characterization of PPR virus strains has allowed them to be organized into four groups-three from Africa and one from Asia. It is closely related to the measles virus of humans, he added.

The company is exporting vaccines for Foot and Mouth Diseases (FMD) to Asia and African. South America, South Asia and Middle East also hold good potential for these vaccines. The company is actively looking for joint venture partners for rabies vaccine in South America and South Africa.

IIL is keen on making a mark in specific segments such as vaccines against Foot and Mouth Disease and rabies. The company has already tied up with the Central Government in creating a FMD free zone through a national programme, which includes over 50 districts in nine states of the country.

Talking about the human vaccines segment, Balasubramaniam viewed, most of the companies that are producing human vaccines are chasing lucrative markets, but they need to address the issues relating to lack of innovation. Doing basic innovation is key to the country’s growth in the vaccines sector. Few companies are today concentrating on TB, Malaria and AIDS. Very soon, Hepatitis B market would be flooded by too many companies, he opined.

One of the major concerns for the growth of vaccines industry in India is the lack of sufficient venture capital funding. India’s strengths lie in manufacturing and clinical trials by maintaining high quality standards and producing at low cost. Innovation and venture funding can make the industry strong. For this, both government and industry need to work together.

Indian vaccines industry also lacks sufficient number of R&D professionals. Poor R&D can hamper the industry’s growth. Quality candidates should be generated by academic institutions by intensifying learning, training and knowledge, he opined.

As per an estimate, the size of animal vaccines market in India in 2003 was expected to be in the tune of $ 30 million and is likely to touch $ 80 million by 2010. Human vaccines market in 2003 was $ 70 million and is to increase to $ 250 million by 2010.