In recent news, The Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, based in Pune, has received the go-ahead to manufacture the country’s first indigenously developed Pneumonia Conjugate Vaccine (PCV), named Pneumococcal Polysaccharide. This approval comes from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the nation’s drug regulatory authority. As part of a national health initiative, plans are underway to include PCV in India’s Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
Pneumonia Conjugate Vaccine: An Overview
The Pneumonia Conjugate Vaccine is designed to combat pneumococcal disease, which refers broadly to illnesses stemming from pneumococcal bacteria. The vaccine incorporates a mix of numerous bacteria strains from the pneumococci family, known contributors to pneumonia. The term ‘conjugate’ in the name originates from the vaccine’s construction – it’s crafted using a combination of two distinct components.
This vaccine serves as an active defense against diseases and pneumonia brought on by Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants. In particular, invasive diseases where bacteria breach areas such as the blood fluid, brain, and spinal cord. To ensure maximum effectiveness, the vaccine is injected deep into the muscles.
Before this development, the demand for these vaccines was served by licensed importers, with all manufacturers based outside India.
Clinical Trials and Approvals
To reach this point, the Serum Institute of India carried out Phase I, II, and III clinical trials of the Conjugate Vaccine within the country. Additional clinical trials were also conducted in Gambia.
About Pneumonia
Pneumonia refers to an acute respiratory infection impacting the lungs. It doesn’t have a single cause – it can emerge from bacteria, viruses or fungi present in the air. It’s worth noting that children with immature or weakened immune systems, including newborns, or those suffering from malnourishment or diseases like HIV, are particularly susceptible to pneumonia.
Pneumonia is a contagious disease, spreading through coughing, sneezing, blood (during childbirth), or contact with contaminated surfaces. To mitigate this, pneumococcal vaccines serve as combatants against the Streptococcus pneumonia bacterium.
The Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd
The Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, situated in Pune, Maharashtra, is globally renowned as the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer based on the number of doses produced and sold. With accreditation from the World Health Organization, their vaccines are adopted in around 170 countries’ national immunization programs worldwide, saving countless lives.