Serum Institute of India (SRI), the largest vaccine manufacturer in India, has launched an indigenously developed intra-nasal vaccine, Nasovac, for prevention of H1N1 (swine flu) infections. The single dose vaccine, fitted at the top of a syringe, is 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 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 Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Chairman, Serum Institute of India, “the philosophy at Serum Institute always has been about providing quality vaccines at affordable prices.”
Speaking to The Hindu , Mansoor Ahmed, Marketing Director, said, “The product will be available across the country in the next few days. It is priced at Rs. 158 per dose and available in the 5-vial pack for Rs. 790.
“As of now, we have the capacity to make 50 million doses. But this can be scaled up in the coming months to 150 million or even 200 million doses if needed. As of now, we are only concentrating on the Indian market and will address the export market later.''
Adar Poonawalla, Executive Director, said “We now have capabilities, in collaboration with global healthcare agencies, to respond with affordable preventive vaccines for pandemic healthcare emergencies anywhere around the world.”
