CPL Biologicals, a joint venture of Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited and US-based Novavax Inc on Thursday launched country's first indigenous developed vaccine for the Seasonal Influenza.

Company's 'Cadiflu-S' is the first Virus Like Particle (VLP) technology-based Influenza vaccine in the world and is currently approved to be administered on fully-grown human above 18 years of age.

"Building on the success of ‘Cadiflu-S’, we will be launching a series of vaccines, including many first-of-its kind in the world, using Novel technology platforms like VLPs and Nano particles," commented Rajiv Modi, Chairman and Managing Director, Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

"The indigenous production of ‘Cadiflu-S’ for seasonal influenza will provide a major boost to the government’s initiative of preventing any probability of pandemic flu-like situation," said Atin Tomar, president of the company. The seasonal influenza virus affects the lungs and other areas of the respiratory tract.

"The advantage of Cadiflu-S is that it does not contain any viruses, and is a major technological breakthrough since it completely eliminates the possibility of any infection to the vaccinated person from the vaccine," added Tomar. Moreover, the VLP based vaccine does not contain any egg proteins, antibiotics or preservatives, and thus provides huge relief to people who are prone to allergies.

CPL Biologicals is also planning to set up a new production and R&D complex near Ahmedabad with a proposed investment of in the range of RS 400-500 crore over the next two years. The company has already bought land for the new facility.

"We will fund this through a mix of instruments including internal accruals and funding from our JV partner. Once ready, the new facility will produce commercial vaccines and conduct R&D besides our existing unit at Dholka," said Tomar.

Currently the company has strong pipeline of vaccines product, Rabies vaccine with 3 dosages, which is five dosages in one month at present, Pancreatic Cancer vaccine and Rabies single dose vaccine besides other research.

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