Bharat Biotech Develops Process Technology for Toxin-Free HEP-B Vaccine

Description And Advantages

Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL), Hyderabad, has developed an indigenous technology for purification of recombinant protein during the manufacturing process of recombinant Hepatitis B vaccines.

The novel approach totally eliminates the use of toxic metals and increases the recovery of the Hepatitis B surface antigen by at least 85 per cent, it has been claimed. The company has filed a patent application for the new process.

The process, known as Himax technology, can bring down the cost of the vaccine significantly as it can do away with many of the costly conventional methods for the processing of the vaccine.

According to company sources, BBIL is awaiting the patents to commercialise the process among other Hepatitis B manufacturers in the world.

BBIL has announced its plans to launch three products -typhoid vaccine, Hepatitis A and EGF within a year from now.

The company is in the process of developing a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that stimulates new blood vessel formulation in tissue deficient in normal arterial blood flow, thereby bypassing the blockage and resulting in improved organ function.

The VEGF - gene therapy studies are being conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Biochemical Technology.  Research and development programmes on streptokinase, rabies vaccine, and development of HIV and HIV 2 kits are also being undertaken by BBIL in association with various research institutes within the country and abroad.

The Rs 30 crore state-of-the-art manufacturing facility of BBIL is fast reaching completion.  

Source: Chronicle Pharmabiz, September 20, 2001