Serum International Ltd has bagged the mandate to market Rebif, a drug used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Rebif is manufactured by Serono, a biotech company.

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, progressive and incurable disease of the central nervous system. Serum International Ltd, a subsidiary of the Pune-based Serum Institute of India, is engaged in the manufacturing of vaccines.

Multiple sclerosis can blind or paralyse a person. The disease is crippling and the patient becomes blind and finally confines to the wheelchair.

"As per a survey, 1 out of every 1,00,000 Indians suffers from multiple sclerosis, Also this disease is common among the white-skinned population and the Parsee community," said Vinesh Gadhia, sales manager, Serum International.

According to Ravi Sakharkar, senior product manager, Serum International, "Most of the multiple sclerosis cases remain undiagnosed due to lack of information."

He said: "Today with the easy availability of magnetic resonance imaging and evoked potential studies, it has become much easier to make specific diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and it can be identified much earlier."

Serum Institute has emerged as the largest exporter of vaccines and immuno-biologicals of the country with its products being exported to 138 countries across the globe.

Rebif improves the quality of life, prevent relapses and delays progression. It can also reduce the frequency and severity of attacks.

Rabif is available as 'ready-to-use' pre-filled syringe. The product has got an excellent safety profile. It is registered for use in more than 70 countries worldwide and is approved by the United States FDA.