SII to manufacture popular Pneumonia vaccine
Vaccine makers around the world are making rampant developments and overseeing the production of novel vaccine prototypes- some modelled to battle COVID-19, while others are targeted at other diseases.
In the most recent development, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) issued a regulatory license to Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune to start the manufacture of a prominent pneumonia vaccine, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate.
Just recently, the Serum Institute had made the drug regulatory board aware of the problems the company was facing in continuing clinical trials of at least three of its non-COVID related vaccines.
SII, which is one of the leading vaccine makers in the country has also inked a partnership with UNICEF to provide 10 million doses of the vaccine to lower-income countries for 10 years last month. Serum Institue’s latest offering will make it easier for low-income and other developing countries to access healthcare at an affordable rate.
Also read: 2 indigenous vaccines get DCGI nod to start human trials
How does Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate work?
Pneumococcus bacterium is the leading cause of severe pneumonia, which can even lead to mortality. It is estimated that pneumonia is the prime cause of death in 16% of children globally, claiming a life every 16 seconds.
The vaccine, which is being used to combat pneumonia, if brought into use can work in immunizing children against the deadly acute respiratory infection.
While pneumonia is an illness which affects both kids and adults, in younger children, the symptoms can start on gradually and worsen quickly over time, making it a major trigger for morbidity and mortality. Existing risk factors including malnutrition, poor respiratory and sanitary hygiene, immunosuppression or exposure to allergens and pollutants can make matters worse, especially in places with minimal or frigid access to good healthcare.
It is estimated that a good dosage of the vaccine will help at least 225 million children in affected countries, and might even save the lives of 7,00,000 before the end of 2020. Apart from vaccination, WHO also suggests that pneumonia can be prevented with a host of measures, including low-cost drugs and simple interventions and taking care of nutritional needs.
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