Zydus Cadila H1N1 vaccine trial starts; launch by April

With speedy completion of trials and fast track approvals,the indigenous H1N1 vaccine is expected to hit the markets by April,Rajesh said,adding the demand for the vaccine in India is estimated to touch 50 to 60 million doses in the initial phase.

Chairman and Managing Director,Zydus Cadila,Pankaj R Patel said,”India’s readiness with a vaccine that is safe and effective in Indian conditions is critical as we go all out to create an H1N1 free zone.”

“Our researchers and vaccine experts have worked hard to strengthen our fight against the H1N1 virus. With the vaccine in market soon,we should be able to prevent further loss of lives to this disease,he said in a statement.

H1N1 Influenza A (2009) is the first pandemic influenza of 21st century accounting for over 1,000 lives in India so far.

“At present we are conducting Phase-I trials for the vaccine,and subsequently shall be undertaking Phase-II and III trials that would be spread across several cities,Rajesh said.

Currently,the H1N1 vaccine market is estimated to be USD 676 million and is expected to cross USD 7 billion by 2011.

The group has also recently set up a state-of-the-art Vaccine Technology Centre near its manufacturing facility at Moraiya,Ahmedabad.