India Announces Low-Cost Rotavirus Vaccine

NEW DELHI (AP) – The Indian government has announced the successful development of a low-cost vaccine proven effective in preventing the deadly diarrhea-causing rotavirus. Rotavirus is the most lethal cause of childhood diarrhea and is responsible for the deaths of 100,000 Indian children annually.

The Department of Biotechnology said Tuesday that phase III trials of Rotavac showed a 56 percent decline in severe diarrhea caused by the rotavirus. Vaccine producer Bharat Biotech has said it would sell Rotavac for $1 a dose. Health officials said that is a major discount over the current vaccines and could make it possible for many developing countries to start vaccination programs.