New Delhi: In a bid to strengthen routine immunization and tackle the menace of Diarrhoea, Serum Institute of India (SII), launched a new variant of its WHO prequalified rotavirus vaccine Rotasiil called Rotasiil – Liquid, the only ready to use Pentavalent vaccine with G9 strain.
SII is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer by number of doses produced and sold globally (more than 1.5 billion doses last year). Originally developed based on technology from the National Institute of Health, USA, Rotasiil – Liquid will be available across domestic and international market. The initial production aim of the vaccine is around 25-30 Million doses per annum which will be augmented to over 80 Million doses per annum. With the new easy to use formulation SII aims to increase its market share to 32-35% from its current market share by volume 24 % with a growth of 23.90% within the first year of its launch in India.
Available in a single dose tube, Rotasiil – Liquid can be directly administered in 2 ml dose orally, thus saving time as well as cold chain space. Rotasiil – Liquid can be stored at 2-8° Celsius for up to 24 months.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII said, “The new launch will propel us towards improving the health of our children and reduce hospitalization and conditions related with Diarrhoea such as malnutrition, delayed physical and mental development amongst children. It is our tryst in our national agenda of full immunization coverage ensuring that each child receives a chance to survive against vaccine-preventable diseases.”
As per the World Health Organization, an estimated 215,000 children under five years of age die each year from vaccine preventable rotavirus infection, globally. In India, Rotavirus Diarrhoea is among the top ten causes of child morbidity and mortality in children, killing around 47100 children under five years of age. While improved access to clean water and better sanitation and hygiene practices are vital to preventing most diarrheal diseases, they have done little to disrupt rotavirus infection.
The announcement of Rotasiil – Liquid promises to be an encouraging development as the availability of this additional vaccine will increase the supply of rotavirus vaccines globally.
