New Delhi, September 20: India has developed an indigenous vaccine against Rotavirus, the most common cause of diarrhoea in babies and young children and the product is in the clinical trial stage.
“The multi-agency approach in the development and evaluation of indigenous Rotavirus vaccine has been an important development in the country. This vaccine has already entered clinical trial stage,” Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said.
The results of this trial will help in the formulation of strategies for the prevention and control of diarrhoeal diseases among children, he added.
Secretary Department of Health Research V M Katoch said two Indian and two foreign companies are conducting trials in India.
“Out of the two indigenous Indian vaccines, one is doing very well and is at an advanced stage of trials,” he said.
Katoch, who is also Director General of ICMR said, the two foreign companies are ready to market the vaccine, but a committee has been formed to test the product’s efficacy and other strategies.
The severe diarrhoea caused by this virus is often accompanied by fever, vomiting and dehydration. It is extremely contagious and spreads easily through ordinary person-to-person contact.
–Agencies