The Hyderabad-based Shanta Biotechnics has announced that it has made a foray into the nutraceutical segment with the launch of Shanviv, a tonic for children. It is a combination of natural mixed carotenoids including beta-carotene, essential vitamins and l-lysine.

According to a company statement, it had planned to launch a wide range of nutraceuticals from its subsidiary, the Chennai-based Shana Marine Biotechnologies.

Shanviv's natural carotenoid content comprises beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and cryptoxanthin derived from the micro-algae Dunaliella salina. The tonic is indicated for children to supplement clinical and sub-clinical Vitamin A, slow growth and poor immunity. The product has the highest concentration of natural carotenoids found in nature.

It may be recalled that Shanta Biotechnics made the first recombinant DNA vaccine against Hepatitis-B in India more than 11 years ago. Last year Shanta won approval from WHO for supplying the vaccine to the United Nations. Shanta has also the distinction of manufacturing Shanferon, a human interferon alpha in the country, to combat leukemia and other cancers. The company is all set to launch recombinat human insulin in October, jointly with the Bangalore-based biotechnology firm Biocon.