Wockhardt Ltd has introduced its new generation hepatitis A vaccine in markets in south India. The vaccine is made available in collaboration with the Zhejiang Pukang Biotechnology Company Ltd., China.

The drug is being launched in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, this week.

According to Nagaraj S, vice president, sales and marketing, Wockhardt, a consignment of 50,000 vials of the live attenuated vaccine produced from H-2 strains, to be sold under the brand name ‘Biovac’ are being airlifted from China and will be available in all cities throughout the nation.

The vaccine provides a protection for 15 years and also offers the convenience of a single dose for both children and adults. It can be administered subcutaneous in the dermatoid region of the arm.

The response from the medical professionals regarding this vaccine has been overwhelming and the first batch of the 50,000 vials would last four to five months. The immunogenicity and tolerability of the vaccine were confirmed after clinical trials on 200 children at KEM hospital in Pune.

Wockhardt had also been permitted by the Union Government to advertise the product and has chalked out a strategy to create awareness among the medical professionals.

The international vaccine was first developed by Dr. Mao, who is the main investor for the vaccine. Over 120 million people had been administered the vaccine so far.

Hepatitis A is a viral infection affecting the liver and is communicated to human beings through the feco-oral route. The incubation period of the virus is between 15-45 days.