India Launches First Indigenously Developed Hepatitis A Vaccine

According to various news sources, Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) launched Havisure, the 'first' indigenously developed two-dose Hepatitis A vaccine.

"Currently, Hepatitis A vaccines are imported into our country, and as a true meaning of Atma Nirbhar Bharat, IIL has tirelessly put in efforts and developed India's 1st vaccine for Hepatitis A," said K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, IIL, told newspersons such as Businessline on January 19, 2024.

Priced at ₹2,150 ($25) per dose, the vaccine is recommended for individuals at risk of exposure or travel to regions with high hepatitis A prevalence. In addition to this, people with occupational risk of infection and suffering from chronic liver diseases also need Hepatitis A vaccination.

According to the U.S. CDC, Hepatitis A is a severe liver disease. It is usually spread through close, personal contact with an infected person or when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food, or drinks contaminated by small amounts of stool from an infected person.

Hepatitis A vaccinations (Havrix, Twinrix, VAQTA) have made this disease much less common in the United States.

However, outbreaks of hepatitis A among unvaccinated people still happen. Since hepatitis A outbreaks were first identified in 2016, the World Health Organization estimates that 7,134 persons have died from hepatitis A worldwide.

In the U.S., 37 states have publicly reported the following cases as of January 12, 2024:

Cases: 44,947

Hospitalizations: 27,469 (61%)

Deaths: 424

In response to all hepatitis outbreaks, the CDC provides ongoing epidemiology and laboratory support and support on vaccine supply and vaccine policy development.