India achieves Self-sufficiency for Hepatitis A vaccine, true example of Atma Nirbhar Bharat
India, 19th January 2024 – Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) a wholly owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and a leading biopharmaceutical company in India, marks a historic moment in public health with the launch of India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine “Havisure®”. The vaccine represents a significant step forward in India’s fight against Hepatitis A and is poised to make a substantial contribution to public health.
The new vaccine, Havisure® is the result of extensive research and development efforts by IIL’s dedicated team of scientists and researchers. This indigenously developed vaccine is poised to play a crucial role in preventing Hepatitis A, a highly contagious liver infection that poses a significant public health challenge. Hepatitis A is a viral infection primarily spread through the fecal-oral route, meaning that it is transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Ltd. shared, “The launch of Havisure® is a testament to our commitment to advancing healthcare solutions for the nation. Currently Hepatitis A vaccines are imported into our country and as a true meaning of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, IIL has tirelessly put in efforts and developed India’s 1st vaccine for Hepatitis A. The vaccine Havisure® has undergone extensive clinical trials in 8 centers and has proven to be safe and efficacious. The vaccine is comparable to the world’s leading vaccine sold by a multinational. With Havisure®, we aim to contribute significantly to the prevention of this infectious disease. IIL launching three vaccines in a single year is itself a big achievement and full credit to my team.”
“Havisure” is set to play a crucial role to protect against the Hepatitis A virus, which primarily affects the liver. The vaccine is effective in preventing the disease and is recommended for children in the routine immunization. It is a two-dose vaccine wherein the first dose is administered at above 12 months of age and the second dose is given at least after 6 months of the first dose. The vaccine is also recommended for individuals who are at risk of exposure or travel to the regions with high hepatitis A prevalence. In addition to this people with occupational risk of infection and suffering from chronic liver diseases also need Hepatitis A vaccination.
Discussing on manufacturing capabilities of IIL, Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Dy. Managing Director, IIL said, “The company has considerably invested in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities to scale up production and meet the growing demand for Hepatitis A vaccine. As part of the launch, IIL will be collaborating with healthcare professionals, corporate hospitals, and government agencies to promote awareness about Hepatitis A and the importance of both paediatric, adolescent & adult vaccination.”