Shantha Biotech Introduces Shanvac-B in BD UnijectT
(OUR CORPORATE BUREAU – Domain-B 10 January 2005)
Hyderabad: Shantha Biotechnics, has announced the availability of Shanvac-B in a vaccine delivery device called BD UnijectT, based on proprietary technology developed by PATH, supported by USAID and commercialised by Beckton Dickinson (BD), Shanvac-B in BD UnijectT was unveiled at the Pedicon 2005 symposium held in Kolkota.
Shanvac-B in BD UnijectT is a single-dose, single-use injection device that guarantees the integrity and sterility of Shanvac-B right up to the use. The BD UnijectT device prevents any scope of tampering or contamination from the outside environment. The absence of glass, rubber or silicone eliminates any possibility of particulate matter mixing with the vaccine.
Varaprasad Reddy, managing director, Shantha Biotechnics said, “The technology behind BD UnijectT is unique. The device has a one-way disc valve that prevents refilling after it has been used once. Shanvac-B can be injected after simple one-step activation. The BD UnijectT device has a double-pointed needle that activates the device easily. Most importantly the needle is not in contact with the vaccine before activation, reducing the risk of contamination. Shanvac-B in BD UnijectT utilizes the world’s sharpest needle so that the receiver feels the least pain.”
Reddy further adds, ” The vaccine reservoir is also designed for fast and accurate dose of vaccine. The appearance of Shanvac-B in BD UnijectT is such that even a child does not feel frightened looking at it. This also reduces the fear of vaccination.”
Speaking at the launch symposium here under the auspices of Pedicon 2005, R Sridharan, programme officer, PATH said, “PATH has been facilitating technology development, assessment, adaptation, transfer, local production, and commercialisation of selected products of relevance to the ‘programme for advancement of commercial technology – child and reproductive health (PACT-CRH) a bilateral project funded by United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and managed by ICICI Bank.
Shantha is also preparing for launching combination vaccines by the middle of this year, from its new vaccine-manufacturing complex at Hyderabad.
BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) is a 5 billion USD American company that is the world’s largest manufacturer of ‘auto-disable’ syringes with an over 80 per cent global market share of pre-filled syringe.