Speaking on the launch of the first H1N1 Vaccine (Vaxiflu-S), Honb'le Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad said that , “Ever since WHO declared an Influenza Pandemic on June 11 2009 & made recommendation for the use of Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) 2009 Vaccines , Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had taken up the challenge in June 2009 to promote manufacture of very first indigenous H1 N1 Vaccine in the shortest possible time & facilitated it by preparation of a Regulatory Roadmap for achieving the same. Focus was to have a safe, and efficacious vaccine in the market as soon as possible and I am happy to note that we have been able to be to launch India's first H1N1 vaccine. I congratulate Mr Pankaj. R. Patel , Chairman & Managing Director, Cadila Healthcare & his team for this remarkable feat in the service of the nation ”.

This technological breakthrough in the indigenous manufacture of Influenza Vaccine has for the first time created a platform in the country which can be used for production of any pandemic influenza vaccine besides seasonal Influenza Vaccines at short notice to safeguard Public Health.

Launch of this indigenously manufactured H1N1 Vaccine has proven capabilities of India to the Global Community in Researching, Developing and Manufacturing of Safe & efficacious Vaccines. Further with the global vaccine industry forecasted to grow by nearly 18% by 2010, which is roughly three times the growth of the global pharmaceutical industry, research and development of vaccines have emerged as a major focus area in recent times.

Another vaccine major Serum Institute of India, Pune is expected to launch its live attenuated H1N1 Vaccine by June 2010 end & inactivatd H1N1 Vaccine by mid of July 2010. Bharat Biotech Ltd., Hyderabad & Panacea Biotech, New Delhi are also expected to launch their indigenously manufactured H1N1 vaccine by July 2010 & August 2010 respectively.