Shantha Bio launches JE vaccine

SHANTHA Biotechnics has launched Jencevac, a vaccine for combating Japanese Encephalitis (JE), commonly known as brain fever, in the domestic market.
The product would be available as 5 ml multi-dose injection for easy vaccination.
In a release here on Monday, Shantha Biotech said it has formed a partnership with Korea-based Green Cross Vaccine Corporation for distribution and marketing of Jencevac in India.
Commenting on the launch, the Shantha Biotech Managing Director, Mr K. I. Varaprasada Reddy, said, "Jencevac is produced using the inactivated Nakayama strain known for its good propagation characteristics and its strength to provide cross-protection against other JE viral strains."
JE outbreaks have also occurred in 25 States and Union Territories of India. The period of transmission starts in April or May, and lasts until December in India.
Till date, there is no treatment for JE, except for providing symptomatic relief to infected persons. However, JE vaccination is the single most important control measure, the release said.