Shantha launches vaccine to combat Japanese encephalitis

EPP News Bureau - Hyderabad

Shantha Biotechnics has launched Jencevac, a vaccine for combating Japanese encephalitis in the domestic market. The company has formed a partnership with Green Cross Vaccine Corporation, Korea for distribution and marketing of Jencevac in India.

Green Cross Vaccine an international pharmaceutical company is the world’s third largest hepatitis B vaccine manufacturer. Till date, there is no treatment for Japanese encephalitis, except for providing symptomatic relief to infected persons.

However, vaccination is the single most important control measure. As part of its efforts towards eradicating this virus, Shantha has plans to organise mass vaccination camps and patient education programmes all over India. The product will be available in five ml multi-dose injection for easy vaccination.

According to Dr Varaprasad Reddy, managing director, Shantha Biotechnics, Jencevac is produced using the inactivated nakayama strain known for its good propagation characteristics and its strength to provide cross protection against other Japanese encephalitis viral strains. ‘‘With Jencevac, Shantha Biotech reiterates its dedication for providing excellent healthcare products at affordable prices. The vaccine is yet another step we have taken forward for fulfilling our mission of creating a healthy and ailment free society’’, he said.

Japanese encephalitis is the most common form of epidemic and sporadic encephalitis in Asia. Approximately 50,000 cases are annually reported throughout Asia, with 15,000 deaths annually—mostly among children.

Japanese encephalitis outbreaks have also occurred in 25 states and union territories of India. More than 85 per cent cases occur in 1-15 year’s of age group and 10 per cent in people over 60 years of age.