The first indigenously made vaccine ‘Jeev’ — to treat Japanese Encephalitis which has been killing thousands and leaving many maimed every year — will be launched in the country here on Friday. Presently, India is depending on a Chinese firm for its supply of the JE vaccine.
Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad will launch the vaccine manufactured in association with the Austrian biotech firm Intercell AG and Hyderabad-based Biological Evans.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has already approved its efficacy and safety following various process of clinical trial by the company. India has been importing JE vaccine from China National Biotech Group since February 2006 after an outbreak of JE killed over 1,800 people. lakhs of doses of vaccine are procured every year by the Ministry.
However, the launch of Indian made vaccine will break the monopoly of Chinese firm though the Government is yet to take the decision on the vaccine now it would procure for its immunization programme for the JE.
JE is becoming a major problem in the country every passing year with over 17 States affected by the disease. Mostly children below 15 years are affected. About 25 per cent of affected children die and among survivors about 30-40 per cent suffer from physical and mental impairment.