Serum Institute Launches HIB Vaccine in India

Serum Institute, India's largest vaccine manufacturer, has announced the launch of a locally developed haemophilus influenzae type b (HIB) vaccine.

Serum Institute has a capacity to produce more than 100 million doses of the vaccine. The company will produce the vaccine for use by the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, the Pan American Health Organization and the United Nations Children's Fund.

"With the HIB vaccine, Serum Institute achieves one more milestone in its quest for providing high-quality vaccines at affordable prices," Cyrus Poonawalla, chairman of the company, said. "Serum Institute has invested significantly in R&D, and these efforts are yielding results."

HIB disease is among the leading causes of infant mortality in the developing world, according to the company. HIB immunization efforts by UNICEF have met with little success due to high vaccine prices and limited access in developing countries, Serum Institute said.

Serum Institute said it will provide its HIB vaccine at a lower price than the cost of the currently used vaccine.