Biotech Buzz

Itra-nasal Vaccine Launched for Preventing H1N1

The threat of swine flu now has a pain-less prevention. India's advances in medical research got a fillip recently, with India's largest vaccine manufacturer, Serum Institute, announcing the launch of its indigenously developed intra-nasal vaccine named Nasovac for preventing H1N1 infections. The single dose vaccine, fitted at the top of a syringe, is just to be sniffed once in each nostril making it a painless prevention mode. Along with a needle prick-free benefit, Nasovac has a superior efficacy profile based on its administration through the respiratory route — it mimics the path followed by the virus to enter the body. The safety and efficacy of the vaccine was established through clinical trials conducted in India for the vaccine. Nasovac is economically priced to increase availability amongst the masses. The vaccine is approved by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for usage by any individual above three years of age, except pregnant women.

According to Adar Poonawalla, Owner and Executive Director, Serum Institute of India Ltd, "Right from the time we started work on the vaccine, we were clear that apart from developing indigenous capability for tackling pandemics, we wanted to provide a painless prevention option for the masses. We now have capabilities, in collaboration with global healthcare agencies, to respond with affordable preventive vaccines for pandemic healthcare emergencies anywhere around the world."

With the outbreak of H1N1 infections in 2009, Serum Institute in consultation with World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health, Government of India started work on the H1N1 vaccine. The company is already working on an influenza vaccine under WHO guidance.

EH News Bureau