South Korea’s drug maker Green Cross Corp. has officially released its tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine for adults, the country’s first indigenous vaccine for the indication.

According to sources from the pharmaceutical industry on Tuesday, Green Cross completed an approval procedure for national shipment of prefilled syringes of the vaccine and began its supply to local hospitals and clinics on Tuesday.

The Td vaccine developed by the company is a two-in-one vaccine that protects adults from acute infection from diphtheria and tetanus caused by infection with the bacteria clostridium tetani.

The germs of tetanus that enter the body through a wound or cut damage the brain and nervous system, and diphtheria can cause organ damage and breathing problems.

Typically, Td is first given at the age of 10 to 12, followed by routine booster doses every 10 years. The Korean Td vaccine market is estimated to be valued at 4 billion won ($3.7 million) a year.

The industry expects the launch of the vaccine would reduce dependence on vaccine imports and stabilize the supply. The country had wholly relied on imports for Td vaccines. Health authorities expect the company’s Td vaccine could substitute imports of vaccines for 450,000 people every year.

Shares of Green Cross finished Tuesday 4.5 percent higher at 232,000 won in Seoul trading.

By Kim Hye-soon and Choi Mira

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]