MORE THAN A DECADE AND A HALF OF SERVING THE CAUSE OF CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF RABIES: A REVIEW OF SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF ABHAYRAB - PURIFIED VERO CELL RABIES VACCINE

Abstract

Prevention of Rabies, a fatal viral disease, depends highly on availability and
affordability of potent anti-rabies vaccine. Abhayrab, Human Rabies Vaccine, a
modern cell cultured Purified Vero Cell Rabies Vaccine (PVRV) has played a
significant role in prevention of Rabies in India and elsewhere since its launch.
Manufactured by Human Biologicals Institute, a unit of Indian Immunologicals
Limited, a subsidiary under National Dairy Development Board, it provides an
affordable alternative to costlier options. Since any vaccine has to be potent and
provide desired protection, as well as be affordable. In this review the results of
various studies on safety and efficacy of Abhayrab were evaluated and compared
with studies of other vaccines.Comparison was done with studies using similar
vaccination regimen and route. It was concluded that safety and efficacy profile of
Abhayrab iscomparable to thatof PVRV, PCECV and HDCV anti-rabies vaccines
prequalified by WHO