Counterfeit Anti-Rabies Vaccine Batch Withdrawn Following Australian Health Advisory
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has withdrawn a counterfeit batch of its human anti-rabies vaccine, Abhayrab, from the market. This action follows an advisory from Australian health authorities warning travelers about a fake batch (No. KA 24014) circulating in India since November 2023. IIL clarified that the counterfeit batch was an isolated incident and that all genuine batches are tested and released by the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) in Kasauli. Rabies is a fatal viral zoonotic disease affecting the central nervous system, and the firm emphasized that its legitimate supplies remain safe and of standard quality for both pre-exposure and post-exposure prophylaxis.
Key Points
- A counterfeit batch of Abhayrab vaccine (Batch # KA 24014) was identified and pulled from shelves following international alerts.
- The Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) is the national authority responsible for testing and releasing vaccine batches in India.
- Rabies is a viral zoonotic disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms develop, making vaccine integrity critical.
- The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation advised travelers who received the fake batch to consider the vaccination invalid.
Exam Facts
- The counterfeit batch number is KA 24014 with an expiry date of February 2027.
- The Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) is a WHO-Geneva pre-qualified laboratory under the National Regulatory Authority.
- Rabies affects the central nervous system and is nearly 100% fatal upon symptom onset.
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