India’s first indigenous pneumonia vaccine called, “Pneumosil” developed by the Serum Institue of India in collaboration with other partners like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been launched by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, on Monday.
“Serum Institute’s first indigenous Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine will be available in the market under brand name ”Pneumosil” at an affordable price in a single dose (vial and pre-filled syringe) and multidose (vial) presentations,” Vardhan said.
The Serum Institute developed and got its license from the government during the COVID-19 lockdown under the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’.
“During clinical trials, Pneumosil was found to be safe and effective in the prevention of pneumonia and based on which Pneumosil has been licensed by the Drugs Controller General of India in July 2020 after approval from the subject expert committee (SEC). Pneumosil is an example of India”s capability in research and development and manufacturing high-end sophisticated vaccines,” he added.
Highlighting the Serum Institue of India’s efforts, the minister said, “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.”
The health minister also underlined that pneumonia is the single largest infectious cause of death among children under five years of age worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 lakh deaths globally.
