Biovet, a subsidiary of Bharat Biotech, has achieved a significant breakthrough in veterinary medicine with the launch of Biolumpivaxin, the world's first Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) marker vaccine for Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD). The vaccine has received approval from India's Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and is set for commercial release.
Innovative Technology and Development
The vaccine, developed from the LSD virus/Ranchi/2019 vaccine strain, represents a collaborative effort between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-National Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRCE) and Biovet. Its quality, safety, and efficacy have been validated through rigorous testing at both ICAR-NRCE and the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).
Dr. Krishna Ella, Biovet's Founder, highlighted the vaccine's revolutionary DIVA marker technology: "This vaccine is a game-changer for veterinary medicine. It enables epidemiologists and field workers to distinguish between vaccinated animals and those previously infected with LSD, crucial for disease surveillance and eradication programs."
Clinical Performance and Safety Profile
Biolumpivaxin has demonstrated exceptional safety and efficacy in extensive clinical trials involving thousands of cattle and buffaloes. Key features include:
- Annual single-dose administration for cattle and buffaloes over three months old
- Proven safety for pregnant and lactating animals, including breeding bulls
- No reported "Neethling effect," which typically causes adverse reactions in other LSD vaccines
- Stable storage at 2-8°C in multi-dose vials (25-100 doses)
- Subcutaneous administration of 1.0 mL dose
Pre-clinical studies confirmed the vaccine's safety, showing no reversion to virulence and no detection in milk, semen, or other bodily excretions from vaccinated animals.
Addressing a Critical Agricultural Challenge
The launch comes at a crucial time for India's livestock sector, which has been severely impacted by LSD outbreaks since 2019. The disease has caused:
- Approximately 200,000 cattle deaths
- Morbidity rates up to 80% in affected regions
- Case fatality rates reaching 67% in states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra
- Economic losses exceeding ₹18,337.76 crores
- 26% decline in milk production
Production Capacity and Availability
Biovet's Mallur facility is equipped to meet the substantial demand for the vaccine, with an annual production capacity of 500 million doses. The vaccine is supplied in freeze-dried form with separate diluent for reconstitution, containing NLT log10 3.5 /mL per dose.
Impact on Veterinary Healthcare
The introduction of Biolumpivaxin aligns with India's self-reliance goals in veterinary healthcare, reducing dependency on imported vaccines. The vaccine's DIVA marker technology enables effective disease monitoring and control programs, supporting the country's efforts to protect its valuable livestock resources and maintain dairy industry sustainability.
