Shantha Biotech introduces "JENCEVAC" vaccine to combat fatal brain fever(OUR CORPORATE BUREAU – Domain-B 18 April 2005)
Hyderabad: Shantha Biotechnics has introduced Jencevak, a vaccine for combating Japanese Encephalitis, (JE) commonly referred to as brain fever, in the Indian market.
According to the company Japanese Encephalitis — the most viral epidemic is an inflammation of the brain, a reaction of the body’s immune system to infection or invasion. The invading virus that cause the inflammation live in animal hosts and mosquitoes that transmit the disease to humans, often leading to permanent mental disability and sometimes death.
The company has formed a partnership with Green Cross Vaccine Corporation, of Korea to distribute and market the vaccine in India.
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Varaprasad Reddy, managing director of Shantha Biotechnics, said ” Jencevac is produced using the inactivated Nakayama strain known for its good propagation characteristics and its strength to provide cross-protection against other JE viral strains. With Jencevac, Shantha reiterates its dedication of providing excellent human healthcare products at affordable prices matched with good quality. JE vaccine is yet another step we’ve taken forward for fulfilling our mission of creating a healthy and ailment-free society.”
According to Shantha Biotechnics, Japanese Encephalitis [JE] is the most common form of epidemic and sporadic encephalitis in Asia. 50,000 cases are annually reported throughout the continent, with 15,000 deaths annually, mostly among children. JE outbreaks have also occurred in 25 states and union territories of India. More than 85 percent cases occur in 1-15 year’s age group and 10 percent in people over 60 years of age. In India the period of transmission starts in April or May, and lasts until December. The incidence peaks during and shortly after the rainy season. However, where irrigation permits mosquito breeding throughout the year, transmission may occur even in the dry season. At present, JE is not only endemic in many areas; it is also spreading to naive non-endemic areas.