Indian Immunologicals Unveils Measles and Rubella Vaccine for Children

A live-attenuated MR vaccine named Mabella was launched in Udhagamandalam (Ooty), Tamil Nadu, as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of the Human Biologicals Institute (HBI), a division of the Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL). Developed through an exclusive partnership with the Polyvac Institute of Vietnam, Mabella promises to be a crucial tool in the global fight against deadly measles and rubella.

Proven Safety and Efficacy

Mabella’s introduction comes after rigorous human clinical trials, establishing its safety and efficacy. The vaccine’s launch addresses the pressing need to control these infectious diseases, which claim approximately one lakh lives of children worldwide. The significance of Mabella extends beyond its immediate impact on public health, marking a significant stride in the continuous efforts to combat preventable diseases.

Why measles in news?

IIL’s Legacy in Vaccine Development

Founded in 1998, HBI has been at the forefront of vaccine development in India. In the same year, the institute achieved a major milestone with the indigenous development of the country’s “first safe vero-cell rabies vaccine,” named Abhayrab. This achievement played a pivotal role in phasing out the use of the painful nerve tissue vaccine for rabies in India. Today, Abhayrab stands as the largest selling anti-rabies vaccine globally, showcasing the institute’s commitment to innovation and public health.

Diverse Portfolio for Child Health

Building on the success of Abhayrab, HBI has introduced a range of vaccines targeted at children. These include DPT, Pentavalent Vaccine, TT (Tetanus Toxoid), Hepatitis-B, MR (Measles and Rubella), and Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria). This diverse portfolio emphasizes the institute’s dedication to addressing various health challenges faced by children and contributes significantly to national immunization efforts.

Leadership Remarks

During the launch event, IIL Managing Director K. Anand Kumar highlighted the company’s emergence as one of the largest suppliers of human vaccines to the universal immunization program of the Indian government. This underscores the company’s commitment to public health on a national scale. Deputy Managing Director Priyabrata Pattnaik expressed confidence in IIL’s infrastructure, affirming its capability to meet the nation’s vaccine requirements effectively.

A Milestone in Global Health for Measles and Rubella Eradication

The introduction of the Mabella vaccine represents a commendable step forward in the global battle against measles and rubella.As Mabella takes its place in the arsenal against preventable diseases, it serves as a beacon of hope for healthier and safer communities worldwide.

Important Questions Related to Exams

1. What is the name of the vaccine introduced by Indian Immunologicals for children, targeting measles and rubella?

Answer: ‘Mabella’

2. Which institute collaborated with Indian Immunologicals in the development of the ‘Mabella’ vaccine for children, specifically designed for measles and rubella?

Answer: Polyvac Institute of Vietnam.

3. What is the name of the ‘first safe vero-cell rabies vaccine’ developed indigenously by the Human Biologicals Institute (HBI)?

Answer: Abhayrab.

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