Cipla Launches Hepatitis B Vaccine In India

Cipla’s hepatitis B vaccine can prevent 95 percent of the recipients from developing a chronic infection, protecting them for decades.

AsianScientist (Feb. 28, 2017) – Cipla Ltd, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in India, has launched an adult hepatitis B vaccine in India. Under a co-exclusive agreement with Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SII), Cipla will market the vaccine for adults while SII will market it for adults and children.

“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,” said Dr. Umang Vohra, Global CEO Cipla Ltd.

In India, around 40 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B. This infection is responsible for 70 percent of chronic hepatitis and 80 percent of liver cirrhosis. Hepatitis B is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood and body fluids. All who are not vaccinated are at risk of infection.

Since 2002, the hepatitis B vaccine has been a part of India’s Universal Immunization Programme. This vaccine is able to protect 95 percent of recipients from developing chronic hepatitis B. The vaccine is given in three doses that include one after the first month of the first dose and the second after six months post the first dose. The vaccine can protect the recipient from this infection for decades. In addition, it is expected to bring down the number of cases of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

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Source: Cipla; Photo: Shutterstock.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.

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