Date:04/11/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/11/04/stories/2004110401841700.htm

Back Serum Institute to launch 5-in-1 vaccine

Our Bureau

Chennai , Nov. 3

SERUM Institute aims to launch a single vaccine for five indications (pentavalent vaccine) in September-October 2005. Currently, the vaccine is being put through clinical trials.

The company's Director-Sales, Mr S.S. Chandrababu, on Wednesday said that the pentavalent vaccine would provide protection against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus (DPT), Hepatitis-B and Haemophilus Influenza type B (HIB).

A single vaccine that covers more than one indication reduces the number of shots children have to take. Mr Chandrababu said that Serum Institute would also introduce a vaccine to cover four indications (DPT and Hepatitis-B) next year.

Serum Institute on Wednesday formally launched its new rabies vaccine, Rabivax, in Chennai. Rabivax is a Human Diploid Cell (HDC) vaccine that has been priced at Rs 293 a dose.