Zydus Lifesciences Limited , a global innovation-led healthcare company, has made a significant stride in the field of influenza prevention with the launch of VaxiFlu™, India's first trivalent influenza vaccine. This groundbreaking development aligns with the latest global recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) for flu protection.

A Pioneering Move in Influenza Prevention

VaxiFlu™ represents a major advancement in India's approach to combating seasonal influenza. As the first trivalent influenza vaccine in the country, it incorporates the most up-to-date strains selected based on WHO's annual surveillance and recommendations. This ensures optimal protection against the current season's prevalent influenza strains.

Alignment with Global Health Standards

The launch of VaxiFlu™ demonstrates Zydus Lifesciences' commitment to following global health guidelines. The vaccine's composition adheres to the WHO's 2025–26 recommendations for Northern Hemisphere strains, which include:

• An A/Victoria/4897/2022 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus
• An A/Croatia/10136RV/2023 (H3N2)-like virus
• A B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage)-like virus

Notably, the B/Yamagata lineage has been excluded from the vaccine formulation, as it has not been detected in circulation since March 2020.

Addressing a Global Health Concern

Dr. Sharvil Patel, Managing Director of Zydus Lifesciences Limited, emphasized the importance of this launch, stating, "Vaccines are essential for wellbeing and good health in times where we are battling several infectious and communicable diseases. We believe in aligning with global guidelines and enabling timely access to vaccines, as they are a critical part of preventive healthcare."

The introduction of VaxiFlu™ is particularly timely, given that seasonal influenza remains a significant global health concern. According to WHO data, influenza causes 3–5 million cases of severe illness annually, resulting in 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths worldwide.

Expert Endorsement

Dr. Parvaiz Koul, FRCP (Pulmonary Medicine) and FERS (Fellow of European Respiratory Society), commented on the transition to the trivalent vaccine: "Influenza vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure against seasonal influenza and its complications. Given the global pattern of influenza virus circulation since March 2020, with no circulation of influenza B Yamagata virus, the trivalent influenza vaccine is the most scientific formulation for use."

Vaccine Details and Availability

VaxiFlu™ is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and above. By incorporating the latest strains, it offers precision-targeted vaccination for the current season. This launch positions Zydus Lifesciences as the first Indian company to follow the updated global recommendations in accordance with the WHO.

The introduction of VaxiFlu™ marks a significant step forward in India's fight against seasonal influenza, potentially reducing vaccine-preventable diseases and related complications in high-risk groups. As the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve, Zydus Lifesciences remains at the forefront of innovation, contributing to improved public health outcomes in India and beyond.

Zydus Life Science , a prominent pharmaceutical company, has announced encouraging results from its Epic-III Phase 2(B)/3 clinical trial of Saroglitazar Magnesium for the treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC). The study has yielded significant findings that could potentially reshape the landscape of PBC treatment.

Trial Results

The Epic-III trial, a crucial step in the drug development process, demonstrated a noteworthy biochemical response rate of 48.50% for Saroglitazar Magnesium. This impressive response rate indicates the drug's potential efficacy in managing PBC, a chronic liver disease that primarily affects the bile ducts.

Regulatory Outlook

Buoyed by these positive results, Zydus Lifesciences is gearing up for the next phase of drug development. The company has outlined its plans to submit Saroglitazar Magnesium for regulatory approval in the first quarter of 2026. This timeline suggests a strategic approach to compile comprehensive data and navigate the regulatory landscape.

Implications for PBC Treatment

Primary Biliary Cholangitis is a progressive liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. The positive outcomes from the Saroglitazar Magnesium trial offer hope for PBC patients who may benefit from new treatment options.

Looking Ahead

As Zydus Lifesciences prepares for the regulatory submission, the medical community and patients alike will be keenly watching the progress of Saroglitazar Magnesium. If approved, this drug could potentially offer a new avenue for managing PBC, addressing an important unmet medical need in liver disease treatment.

The company's advancement in this area underscores its commitment to innovation in pharmaceutical development, particularly in the field of hepatology. As the regulatory process unfolds over the coming years, Zydus Lifesciences' Saroglitazar Magnesium may emerge as a significant player in the treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis.