Abbott Launches 14-valent Pneumococcal Vaccine in India for Children

Since 1910, Abbott has been committed to improving the health of individuals in India by providing a wide array of science-driven nutritional products, diagnostic instruments, branded generic medicines, and devices for diabetes and vascular health. Based in Mumbai, Abbott India Limited is a publicly traded company and a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories, renowned for delivering reliable, high-quality medications across various therapeutic areas, including women’s health, gastroenterology, cardiology, metabolic disorders, and primary care. As one of the fastest-growing pharmaceutical firms in India, Abbott India Limited plays a vital role in Abbott’s worldwide pharmaceutical operations within the country.

Abbott India Announced the Launch of Its 14-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)

On Wednesday, Abbott India announced the introduction of PneumoShield 14, a 14-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) for children over six weeks old. This vaccine targets infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, which include pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections—collectively referred to as invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD).

IPD poses a significant risk to children under five, contributing to 14% of deaths in India. The company noted that PneumoShield 14 covers 14 different serotypes (strains of bacteria), providing broader protection than the existing PCV 10 and PCV 13 vaccines available in the country.

Why the 14-Valent Vaccine Matters

India has a significant prevalence of pneumococcal diseases, which rank among the top causes of illness and death in children under five. Although vaccines for pneumococcal diseases have been available, Abbott’s 14-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) provides broader protection than previous versions by targeting additional strains that are common in India and surrounding areas.

A conjugate vaccine is a specialized type of vaccine that merges a component of the bacteria with a protein to improve its effectiveness. This combination helps the immune system to better recognize and combat the bacteria.

Abbott India Ltd. Stock Price is Down

Abbott India Ltd.’s stock is currently trading at Rs. 27,407.80 per share, down 0.32% from its intraday low of Rs. 27,248.05 per share.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.