Cipla, Serum Institute launch Hepatitis B vaccine

Drug firm Cipla in collaboration with Serum Institute of India (SII) today launched Hepatitis B vaccine for adults.
As per Cipla's co-exclusive agreement with SII, the former will market the vaccine for adults while the latter will market it for adults and children, a company statement said.
Cipla MD and Global CEO Umang Vohra said: "This agreement will enable Cipla to provide affordable vaccines for a chronic disease like Hepatitis B. Cipla's strong marketing network and reach will ensure maximum accessibility of the vaccines in India."
In India, around 40 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B. This infection is responsible for 70 per cent of chronic hepatitis and 80 per cent of liver cirrhosis, the statement said.

Since 2002, the Hepatitis B vaccine has been a part of India's Universal Immunization Programme. The vaccine is given in three doses that include one after the first month of the first dose and the second after 6 months post the first dose.