Indigenously developed Rotavirus vaccine named Rotavac has been launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 9, 2015.

Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech is the first Indian firm that developed the anti-virus which is expected to significantly reduce infant deaths caused due to Rotavirus diarrhoea in India and other parts of the world. It is cross protective against many Rotavirus strains.

The chairman and managing director of the company, Krishna Ella is proud of bringing out the first Indian molecule and ensures that the vaccine is affordable for all besides being safe and effective. The company will offer the vaccine for 1 Dollar to the authorities of low income countries.

The company invested overall 500 crore Rupees towards the development of the vaccine in which 400 crore Rupees were spent on the product development and 100 crore Rupees towards manufacturing facilities.

The development come true with 300 scientists at work and partnership with several international and national organisations within 15 years.

The cost of the Rotavirus vaccines sold by the foreign companies in India is 1,100 Rupees per dose while Bharat Biotech pledged to sell it for 63 Rupees per dose to India and other low income countries.

In more than 20 countries, Bharat Biotech has arranged four global patents around the technology of Rotavac.

What is Rotavirus?

Rotavirus is a most common virus that contaminates the bowels. It causes diarrhoea among infants and children throughout the world and causes over 450,000 deaths worldwide annually inclusive of 110,000 deaths in India.

Symptoms

Rotavirus affects the body in many ways and multiple infections can be noticed.

Vomiting

Low grade Fever

Watery diarrhoea

Nausea

What is Rotavirus vaccine?