Panacea Biotec Ltd, after meaningful contribution in eradicating Polio, now steps ahead to combat hepatitis-B, a deadly disease that affects the liver. It has received pre-qualification accreditation from WHO for the supply of recombinant hepatitis B vaccine to UN agencies.

The overall estimated market for hepatitis-B vaccine and its combinations as per UNICEF and PAHO for year 2007 is around 158 million doses, which is estimated to go up to 185 million doses in 2008 and 888 million doses in 2009. In terms of revenues, it would amount to around US$ 270 million in 2007, going up to US$ 390 million in 2008 and US$ 1 billion in 2009. In 2000, there have been 5.7 million cases of acute hepatitis-B infection and more than 5.21 lakh deaths from hepatitis-B related disease, worldwide. The World Health Organization, in the year 1999, called for all children to receive the hepatitis-B vaccine, and 116 countries have added this vaccine to their routine immunization programme.

"There has been constant growth in Panacea Biotec revenue due to strong vaccine sales and our inclusion in the list of pre-qualified suppliers of WHO will significantly enhance our presence in this segment, resulting in better sales volumes and profitability," says Rajesh Jain, joint managing director, of the company.

In India, hepatitis-B vaccine is in the process of being listed in the list of 'essential vaccines', but there exists a huge market in the private sector, keeping in view the birth cohort of around 25 million new borne every year. The company was amongst the first Indian companies to have introduced hepatitis-B vaccine in the country. At present, it is marketing its hepatitis-B vaccine and combination vaccines through its joint venture company, Chiron Panacea Vaccines Pvt Ltd having brand names - Enivac HB, Easy four (hepatitis B + DPT) and Easy five (hepatitis B + DTP + Hib).

The main aim of hepatitis B immunization strategies is to prevent chronic hepatitis-B virus (HBV) infection and its serious consequences, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer.