Human Biologicals launches rabies vaccine

Human Biologicals Institute, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), has launched equine rabies immunoglobin (ERIG) called AbhayRIG for prevention of rabies across the country.

The vaccine will help in addressing all the three areas of Category III animal bite management.

An open wound is referred to as Category III and a majority of dog bites fall under this category. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), management of Category III is done in three steps "� cleaning of wound, infiltration of RIG at the site of the bite and administration of vaccine.

RIG is available in two origins, human (HRIG) and equine (ERIG). While HRIG has less side-effects and is priced slightly higher, ERIG is economical. Imported HRIG brands cost more than Rs 3,000 per dose and the existing ERIG brand costs Rs 405 per dose. AbhayRIG is priced at Rs 350 per dose.

Addressing the media, Dinar A Kumar, marketing manager, Human Biologicals Institute, a division of Indian Immunologicals Limited, said, "The market size of this category of products is around Rs 50 crore in India. All these vaccines and immunoglobin will be made available in the major institutions and Abhay clinics across the country."

There are about 2,000 Abhay clinics in the country, with 200 being in the state.