In a significant development for Bangladesh’s public health, Incepta Pharmaceuticals has launched Evimar-13, the country’s first pneumonia vaccine designed for individuals of all age groups. This move is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing pneumococcal diseases, particularly pneumonia, which remains a major health concern for children under five. 

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death for children in Bangladesh. According to data from the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b), pneumonia claims the lives of approximately 24,000 children every year, accounting for 24% of all under-five deaths. This translates to about two to three children dying from pneumonia every hour, a figure that surpasses the global average.

The launch of Evimar-13 is expected to address this pressing issue. Until now, the availability of pneumonia vaccines in Bangladesh was limited, with high costs and reliance on imports making them difficult to access for many. By manufacturing Evimar-13 locally, Incepta aims to bridge this gap and ensure wider coverage for all, including infants and vulnerable adults.

Evimar-13 targets 90 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria, providing long-lasting immunity against a broad range of infections. The vaccine can be administered to newborns as early as six weeks old and is also suitable for individuals up to 65 years old. For children under two years, three doses of Evimar-13 are recommended to ensure optimal protection, while individuals of all other ages can receive a single dose.

The launch of this vaccine marks a crucial moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to improve child immunisation rates and combat preventable diseases. While Bangladesh has made strides in increasing immunisation coverage for diseases like polio and measles, pneumonia remains a significant challenge due to its high fatality rate among young children.

In this context, Evimar-13 offers hope for reducing pneumonia-related deaths. The vaccine’s ability to protect children from severe pneumococcal infections such as meningitis, sepsis, and pneumonia makes it an important tool in ensuring the health and well-being of the next generation.

At the recent unveiling of Evimar-13, a scientific seminar titled “Respiratory Vaccines” was held in Dhaka, where leading health experts discussed the role of vaccines in combating respiratory infections. Prof Md Ruhul Amin, a renowned pediatrician, emphasised the importance of pneumococcal vaccination, particularly for high-risk groups like children under five and those with chronic illnesses.

Dr Md Ali Hossain, President of the Bangladesh Lung Foundation and a noted expert in respiratory medicine, underscored the vaccine’s benefits for individuals of all ages. “We are leaning towards this vaccine because it can be given to any age group, its immunity lasts for a long time, and it is effective against 90 serotypes. Diabetics and kidney patients can also take this vaccine to prevent pneumonia or pneumococcal disease,” he said.

Incepta’s introduction of Evimar-13, along with its earlier launch of Prenovax 23 for adults and children over two, marks a significant milestone in the country’s healthcare landscape. These vaccines offer a comprehensive solution to prevent pneumonia across all age groups, filling a critical gap in immunisation coverage.

Farhana Lyzu, Senior Manager of Marketing at Incepta Pharmaceuticals, highlighted the significance of the vaccine for Bangladesh. “With this, we can ensure protection across a broad age range, from infants to adults and older, ensuring that individuals from various demographics can benefit from its preventive capabilities,” she said.

As pneumonia continues to claim young lives in Bangladesh, the availability of a locally produced, cost-effective vaccine like Evimar-13 is a positive step forward. It brings hope not only for reducing child mortality rates but also for improving overall public health, ensuring that more children grow up healthy and protected from life-threatening diseases. 

Reference: 

Incepta brings country’s first pneumonia vaccine for all age groups [Internet]. The Business Standard. 2024 [cited 2024 Oct 17]. Available from: https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/health/inceptas-evimar-13-vaccine-prevent-pneumonia-hits-market-781366