Countdown to protection: Indian Immunologicals aims to roll out dengue vaccine by January 2026
Between January and July 31, 2023, there were 31,464 cases of dengue and 36 people lost their lives because of it.
The fight against dengue fever in India is getting a boost as vaccine maker Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) gears up to introduce its dengue fever vaccine to the public by early 2026. With posing a significant public health threat, especially in recent years, this move comes as a ray of hope. Between January and July 31, 2023, India saw 31,464 cases of sadly, 36 lives were lost due to this mosquito-borne disease.
Despite a decline during the pandemic, there was a substantial 333% surge in cases from 2020 to 2021. Moreover, the number of cases continued to rise by 21% from 2021 to 2022, highlighting the pressing need for effective preventive measures. Indian Immunologicals’ vaccine aims to contribute significantly to curbing this alarming trend.
K. Anand Kumar, the managing director of IIL, shared that the vaccine’s initial trials on around 90 individuals aged 18-50 revealed no negative side effects. These trials focus on understanding the vaccine’s safety and partial effectiveness. He further explained that after completing the Phase 1 trials, the company will move on to the next phase, a process that will span about two to three years. As a result, the anticipated timeline for the vaccine’s launch is January 2026.
The development of a dengue vaccine is a major breakthrough in the fight against fever. Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The disease is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. In severe cases, dengue can lead to death.
It’s noteworthy that the U.S.-based National Institute of Health (NIH) has been assisting IIL by providing the virus necessary for the vaccine’s development. This collaboration underscores the global effort required to combat diseases like an international scale.
Dengue is endemic in tropical and subtropical regions around the world:
The most common in tropical and subtropical regions where Aedes mosquitoes are abundant. The disease is widespread in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa.
The disease is characterized by fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash:
The symptoms are fever typically begin 4-7 days after infection. The most common symptoms are fever, headache, muscle pain, and rash. In severe cases, dengue can lead hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). DHF is characterized by high fever, bleeding, and shock. DSS is a life-threatening complication of DHF.
In severe cases, dengue can lead to death:
Dengue is a serious disease that can be fatal. The risk of death is highest in children and young adults.
In India’s quest to tackle dengue, IIL is not alone. Two other prominent Indian companies, Serum Institute of India and Panacea Biotec, are also actively working on their respective dengue vaccines. This collective endeavor showcases the country’s dedication to conquering this health challenge from multiple angles.
Based in Hyderabad, Indian Immunologicals Limited has a robust presence, exporting vaccines for both animals and humans to over 50 countries. With a significant focus on producing rabies vaccines, which contribute to about 35% of their total sales, the company has established itself as a vital player in the field of immunization.
Looking ahead, IIL envisions a total revenue of 13 billion rupees for the fiscal year 2023-2024. This projection speaks to the company’s confidence in its vaccine initiatives and the positive impact they will have on public health.
In summary, Indian Immunologicals Limited’s strides towards launching a dengue vaccine mark a significant advancement in the battle against this mosquito-borne disease. With the alarming rise in dengue cases in recent years, this effort holds promise for a safer and healthier future for India’s population.
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