By: ICN Bureau
Last updated : December 29, 2020 10:34 am
Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launches India’s first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) “Pneumosil” developed by the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SIIPL) in collaboration with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare launches India’s first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) “Pneumosil” developed by the Serum Institute of India Private Limited (SIIPL) in collaboration with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Detailing the achievements of SIIPL in tailoring a vaccine for India’s needs, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “Serum Institute’s first Indigenous Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine will be available in the market under brand name “Pneumosil” at an affordable price in single dose (vial and pre-filled syringe) and multidose (vial) presentations.”
“During clinical trials, Pneumosil was found to be safe and effective in the prevention of Pneumonia disease and based on which Pneumosil has been licensed by Drugs Controller General (India) in July 2020 after approval from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC),” added Vardhan.
Speaking on the Prime Minister’s commitment of Atmanirbhar Bharat and his vision of ‘Making In India for the World’, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “Pneumosil is an example of India's capability in R&D and manufacturing high end sophisticated Vaccines. In fact, it is a matter of pride for our country for this historical milestone during COVID-19 pandemic because till now we are fully dependent on Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine manufactured by foreign manufacturers which are available at very high prices.”
Congratulating the country’s scientific and medical fraternity, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “I am sure that the team of SIIPL and others in the entire scientific and medical community will continue their endeavour to develop many more life-saving vaccines in future.”