FIrst intra-nasal vaccine for swine flu launched
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The Pune-based vaccine manufacturers Serum Institute of India has launched the country's first indigenously developed intra-nasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) named Nasovac for preventing H1N1 infections. The single dose vaccine is filled at the top of a syringe. In each nostril, 0.25 ml of Nasovac has to be sniffed once to get prick-free vaccination.
This is the first intra-nasal vaccine for swine flu which has again reared its ugly head in several parts of the country. According to official figures, swine flu has so far claimed more than 1600 lives in the country.
Serum has invested Rs 40-50 crore on its current facility that manufactures 45 million doses annually. The company plans to invest Rs 100 crore in future, when upgradation is needed. Company targets sales of 20 million doses of Nasovac in the first year of launch.
On its administration through the respiratory route, Nasovac mimics the path fallowed 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. 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. Nasovac is available in a strip that has five doses for Rs 790. This vaccine is available on prescription only.
Nasovac provides immediate level of protection with LAIV. The vaccine is made efficient to fight H1N1 infection even if small changes occur in the virus. After administration of the vaccine, very mild reactions are experienced for two to three days.
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.
