First indigenous H1N1 vaccine to hit mkt today

The first batch of H1N1 vaccine, indigenously developed in India, will hit the market tomorrow that may lead to less dependence on the imported vaccine against the disease which had killed over 1,500 people in less than a year.

Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will launch the vaccine after taking the first shot. The cost of the vaccine is expected to be Rs 391 per dose in open market, a Health Ministry official said.

Four Indian companies-Cadila Healthcare of Ahmedabad, Serum Institute of India, Pune, and New Delhi-based Bharat Biotec and Panacea Biotec-were working to develop vaccine in the country.

Cadila is the first company to hit the market with its product. The company has used the influenza strains as recommended by the WHO to develop the vaccine.

The firm has successfully completed Phase two and three clinical trials conducted on 203 individuals in the age group of 18-60 years and 66 individuals of age more than 60 years, the official said.