To reduce deaths from rabies, the central government is evaluating the option of introducing an antibody shot after exposure to dog bites, News18 has learned. A panel under the health ministry is examining the data of rabies’ human monoclonal antibodies and may introduce these shots known as ‘Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody’ or mrAB under the National Rabies Control Program (NRCP).
According to the letter written by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in June, rabies remains a major public health problem in India. It said that rabies is a zoonotic disease with significant public health implications with up to more than 90 per cent of all rabies transmissions to humans occurring after dog bites.
The letter said the first monoclonal antibody against rabies was licenced in India in 2016.
It’s the world’s first approved rabies monoclonal antibody which is sold under the brand name Rabishield. It is produced by the Pune-based Serum Insitute of India (SII) in partnership with Boston-based biotechnology firm, MassBiologics USA. Currently, the product is primarily used in private healthcare facilities and select public healthcare facilities across certain states.
“In June, we had asked for data from these healthcare facilities across India. We have received some data, and other facilities are in the process of sending additional information,” a senior government official told News18 requesting anonymity.
Data Given To The Panel, Review Underway
The data has been given to the National Technical Advisory Committee (N-TAC), Rabies, for review. The N-TAC panel was the one that had first recommended reviewing data on the antibody therapy.
The N-TAC panel on rabies had suggested to the central government that India can prevent a substantial number of rabies-related deaths every year, especially when effective and safe vaccines are available.
“The panel has already begun discussions regarding the safety and effectiveness of mrAB in post-exposure prevention particularly in category III animal bites,” the official said while adding, “Rabies is lethal if left untreated but it can be prevented through vaccination and post-exposure prophylaxis.”
Antibody Shots May Help India Achieve Zero Rabies Deaths by 2030
The move is triggered by increasing incidents of dog bites and related deaths in the last three years. The data shows that approximately six people face dog bites every minute in the country.
According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), rabies is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in India. The data from the World Health Organisation shows that India accounts for 36 per cent of the global deaths due to the disease.
Also, the introduction of antibody shots may help India achieve the global target of reducing deaths due to Rabies to “zero” by the year 2030 – which, at present, seems to be a challenging task.
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