Serum Institute of India Limited, the largest manufacturer of vaccines, in India, today launched its unique rabies vaccine-Rabivax.

"Rabivax is the only indigenously developed Human Diploid Cell (HDC) rabies vaccine in India," says Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, chairman, Serum Institute of India Limited. "Compared to other tissue culture vaccines, HDC products are considered the best as they offer better protection and very high safety standards. In fact, WHO considers it as the 'Gold Standard,'" he added.

With a competitive price tag of Rs 293, Rabivax will be within the reach of the majority of Indians, he noted.

"Another major advantage is that even people who are allergic to vaccine components can take Rabivax as this HDC vaccine completely eliminates such risks," Dr. Bhardwaj, medical director, Serum Institute of India Limited said adding, "Free of antibiotics like Neomycin, Streptomycin, Kanamycin and Polymyxin-B, it is a boon for people who are allergic to such compounds. So also people who are allergic to egg and avian proteins, found in other vaccines."

"As far as Rabivax is concerned, after the Indian market we are eyeing the African countries, especially Egypt, where such cases are on high, for Rabivax," Dr Poonawalla told Pharmabiz.

Rabies claims more than 20,000 lives annually in India. An estimated 17 million people are bitten by animals annually and are in the danger of being exposed to this dangerous disease.

The vaccination course consists of five injections in the arm and this is usually sufficient to give 100 per cent protection. The doctor may also advise the use of anti-rabies immunoglobulins, anti-tetanus vaccine, etc. Post-exposure treatment may be stopped after three doses, if the animal is traceable and remains healthy after 10 days, the release from Seum said.

Pharmabiz had earlier reported that a pentavalent vaccine, a combination of DPT, Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (HIB) was going to be launched next year by Serum Institute.

A pentavalent vaccine is an extension of the quadraple vaccine with the addition of vaccine for meningitis (HIB). It ensures protection for the five major diseases at one go. Normally 3-4 shots of the vaccine are advised for children below one year of age.

"The pentavalent vaccines available in the country are imported ones marketed by MNCs like Wyeth and Aventis, priced at about Rs 400 per dose. The price will be considerably reduced once we launch our product," Masur Ahmed, marketing director, serum Institute told Pharmabiz.

Serum is also in the advanced stages of phase III clinical trials for its quadraple vaccine (DPT + Hep B), which is expected to be launched by the first quarter of 2005. The company is setting up a capacity of 200 million doses for its quadraple vaccine facility, which is much higher than the current global demand of 50 million doses.

Serum Institute of India Limited, the Rs 500-crore company, supplies vaccines to more than 130 countries across the globe.