Pfizer launches pneumonia-prevention vaccine

Mumbai, Jul 9: A new variant of pneumonia-prevention vaccine came in Indian market on Thursday, Jul 8 as global pharma major Pfizer launched Prevanar-13.

Kewal Handa, Pfizer Managing Director told that every year India recorded over 3.71 lakh infant deaths due to pneumonia.

He also added that the vaccine had a very large opportunity as every year around 25 million births occurred in India.

Pfizer's recently acquired subsidiary, Wyeth, will be handling the product in India. The company now sells the new version of Prevanar in 30 countries.

Handa said that a single course costs over Rs.15,000 spread across four doses and the company was trying to get the product included in the national immunization programme which will give a boost to sales.

When asked about the revenue generation from the new line, he Handa said,"awareness of the medical fraternity and market expansion are the key."

OneIndia News