Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has developed a H1N1 vaccine
In a major advancement in influenza science, India is ready with its first indigenous vaccine against H1N1 swine flu. Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has developed a H1N1 vaccine — not a painful syringe shot but a harmless nasal spray — which can be used by anybody above the age of three except pregnant women. To cost around Rs 150, SII will apply to the drug controller general for licensure of its product next week. Scientists, who are presently completing tabulation of results from the vaccine’s phase-III clinical trial, say it is safe and effective with side-effects being runny nose and a bout of sneezing. Interestingly, the breakthrough comes exactly a year after India reported its first case of swine flu (May 15, 2009). Confirming this to TOI, SII’s executive director (operations) Adar Poonawala said, “Our nasal mist vaccine is now ready. We will apply for licensure next week. It had no side-effects which are synonymous to injectible vaccines like fever, swelling or conv...