Introduction

Antigens are used for diagnosis as well as therapy of allergic disorders. These antigens have been selected on the basis of extensive research carried on the cases at leading clinics and research centres. Subsequently the results of these experiments and trials were successfully launched for commercial production.

The demand for antigens has been growing over fast few years as evident from rapid proliferation of allergy treatment clinic in various parts of the country. There are about 120 such antigens have been developed for which the knowhow is ready for transfer. Manufacture, marketing and application of these antigens are done as per the guidelines as stipulated by Drugs Controller of India.

Process

The antigens are prepared from various kinds of substances which are itself the causative agent for a particular allergy. These are pollens, insects, fungi, danders, feathers, food etc. After [re[aratopm they are preserved at a very low temp (4o C) and tested (skin) before substances based on which antigens are available.

Antigens for Therapeutic Use

Hyposensitization should be instituted only with substances incriminated as causative agents after a careful consideration of history and other diagnostic tests. Simultanteouly inclusion of too many allergens in the injection programme should be avoided. The best results are obtained with injections of single allergen at a time. In any case, it is not advisable to mix together more than three unrelated allergens selected for hypo sensitization should be preserved in proportion to their importance as judged from the clinical history of attacks coinciding with prevalence of allergens in the patients environments. The total volume of the prescribed allergens should not exceed five milliliters which is the maximum volume dispensed in a single trial. In cases of seasonal allergy, dose of allergen included in the therapy, may be reduced during the peak season, if necessary.

Plant Parameters

Capacity, Lits.per Yr.: 100
No.of Shifts / day: 1
Working days / Yr : 300
Land area, m 2 : 150
Covered area, m: 2 300

Manpower

Managerial : 1
Skilled : 5
Unskilled : 7

Plant & Machinery

Spectophotometer : Centrifuge
pH meter : Balance
Refrigerator : Water bath
DM water plant : Stirrer
Filtration assmbly: Lyophilliser
Fume cupboard : Cold room
Desciccator : Sealing m/c
Electrophoersis : Oven

Economics

Plant & Machinery: US $ 50,000
Know-how Fees : US $ 10,000
Recurring Royalty: 2.5 % on sales
Licence Period : 10 Years
Nature of Licence: Non exclusive
Consultancy Fees : US $ 10,000

Contact

Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology,
APCTT Building,
C-2 Qutab Institutional Area,
P.O.Box - 4575
New Delhi - 110 016
India