Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL), Hyderabad, a wholly owned subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board, has launched two more human vaccines, Abhay-M and Abhay-Vac3, for measles, mumps and rubella (German measles). While Abhay-M is for measles, Abhay Vac3 is a three-in-one vaccine for all the three diseases.

Currently, IIL is importing these vaccines from the Croatia-based Institute of Immunology. Announcing the launch of the vaccines for measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), K V Balasubramaniam, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Ltd, said the company would be manufacturing these vaccines in its facility being set up in Hyderabad at a cost of Rs 50 crore, by the middle of next year. At present, the company was producing only one human vaccine, Abhay-Rab, an anti-rabies vaccine, at its Ooty unit.

Among the vaccine-preventable diseases, measles is a dreaded disease of high morbidity and mortality. So is the case with mumps and rubella. Currently measles vaccine is included under EPI schedule and the coverage is around 80 per cent of the population. But MMR vaccine is not included in the EPI schedule as yet because of the high cost and the need for maintenance of cold chain.

Balasubramaniam said IIL was established with the philosophy of offering quality vaccines at affordable cost. With R&D as the core strength, IIL was committed to improve the quality of life through affordable vaccines. With the launch of Abhay-M and Abhay-Vac3, IIL was one step closer towards the "One Stop Vaccination Centre." IIL had the most efficient cold chain vaccine delivery system in place to cover the entire country.

One of the unique aspects of this system was the setting up of Abhay Clinics. He said there were 1,500 Abhay Clinics spread across the major cities and towns. These clinics were playing a crucial role in educating and informing the people at the grass roots level. IIL plans to provide all vaccines for the common man under one umbrella of Abhay Clinics, thereby making them truly one stop vaccination center.