Shantha Biotechnics, a pioneer in the biotechnology field, has made announcement about the launching of its bivalent oral cholera vaccine, 'Shanchol'.

Shanchol, which is believed to the first of its kind in the world, will be launched on Sunday during a two-day seminar on Continuous Medical Education (CME) of National Infectious Diseases organized by Indian Academy of Pediatrics at Kolkata.

Mr. Varaprasad Reddy, Managing Director, Shantha Biotechnics Ltd, said, "The company has invested close to USD one million and three years of sustained efforts in collaboration with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to develop Shanchol."

The reports said that Shancol is expected to be cheaper as compared to other existing vaccines.

While vaccines from Western producers cost $40 per dosage, Shancol is priced Rs 300 per dose.

The healthcare products company also said that it has decided to make six more vaccines including for typhoid, cervical cancer and Dengue by the next three years
(2012).

Moreover, Marieux Alliance, the France-based healthcare major, is making discussions with a number of multinational corporations to sell a part of Shantha Biotechnics with the intention to bring in a associate who will contribute technology and help in expediting research and vaccine production.