Cadila Pharma marks three years of ThRabis, world’s first three-dose rabies vaccine

New Delhi: Cadila Pharmaceuticals is marking the third anniversary of ThRabis®, the world’s first three-dose rabies vaccine, which has transformed the way rabies is treated and has significantly improved access and compliance.

Developed by Cadila Pharmaceuticals’ in-house research and development team, ThRabis® was launched in April 2022 and has since been rolled out in multiple countries, offering a simpler, shorter vaccination schedule that improves treatment adherence and expands access. Unlike the traditional five-dose rabies regimen, ThRabis® requires just three intramuscular doses, a breakthrough that is reshaping global rabies prevention strategies.

Dr. Rajiv I. Modi, Chairman and Managing Director of Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited, said, “With ThRabis®, we set out to remove one of the biggest barriers to rabies treatment, the complexity of the traditional five-dose schedule. By reducing it to just three doses, we have made post-exposure prophylaxis faster, more accessible, and easier to complete, especially for vulnerable populations. ThRabis® is not just a scientific breakthrough but a practical solution that reflects our commitment to ‘Affordable Innovation for All’ and our drive to deliver unmet medical needs with world-class Indian science.”

Rabies remains a major public health challenge in many parts of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), rabies claims nearly 59,000 lives each year, mostly in Asia and Africa. India alone accounts for 36% of these rabies deaths, making innovation and accessibility in rabies prevention an urgent national priority.

Traditional post-exposure rabies vaccination protocol requires five or more doses over a month. For many, particularly in rural areas or those from economically weaker sections, this is a challenge. Patients often struggle with transport costs, multiple clinic visits, and lack of awareness, all of which contribute to incomplete treatment and, in some cases, preventable deaths.

ThRabis® was designed to address these challenges head-on. Its three-dose protocol offers a more patient-friendly option, improving both uptake and completion rates. This is especially impactful for children, elderly patients, and those living in remote areas. 

Since its launch, ThRabis® has been adopted widely across India and several other countries where Cadila Pharmaceuticals operates. The shorter schedule has significantly improved vaccine compliance, a critical factor in post-exposure care, and helped reduce the pressure on already stretched public health systems. 

With fewer required visits, patients have experienced a reduction in out-of-pocket expenses, while healthcare facilities have seen lower patient volumes for post-exposure prophylaxis. The improved treatment completion rates reflect both better health outcomes and increased confidence in the vaccination process.

Moreover, ThRabis® has catalysed public health outreach initiatives, including awareness campaigns and partnerships with government and non-governmental organisations, further amplifying its reach and impact.

The science behind ThRabis®

ThRabis® is a novel recombinant nanoparticle-based rabies vaccine that uses Virus-Like Particle (VLP) technology, a next-generation platform that mimics the virus structure without containing any genetic material. This approach significantly reduces the risk of adverse effects while delivering high immunogenicity.

Because VLPs cannot replicate or recombine, ThRabis® is considered safer than traditional live or attenuated vaccines, making it suitable for wide-scale use across various age groups and medical backgrounds.

The vaccine’s safety and efficacy have been validated through robust clinical trials conducted under rigorous regulatory standards. It has since received recognition from several national and international public health bodies as a model for innovation in rabies prevention.

In alignment with its mission, Cadila Pharmaceuticals also launched the “One, Two, Three. Rabies Free” campaign, aimed at raising awareness about rabies prevention, encouraging timely treatment, and promoting the broader goal of making India and the world rabies-free.

Said Dr. Modi, “Public awareness is crucial. No vaccine can succeed without education, access, and trust. Our campaign is about empowering people with knowledge and ensuring that life-saving solutions like ThRabis® reach those who need them most.”

Looking ahead

Cadila Pharmaceuticals is now focused on expanding the availability ofThRabis® in regions with high rabies incidence. It also plans to strengthen its supply chain, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas. The company is also in discussions with international health bodies to expand the vaccine’s footprint through strategic partnerships and procurement programmes. It is also investing in research aimed at next-generation vaccines, including single-dose formulations and innovations targeting other infectious diseases.

“We are proud of what ThRabis® has achieved, but this is just the beginning. Our vision is to continue delivering game-changing healthcare solutions that are rooted in science and designed for real-world impact,” Dr Modi added.

ThRabis® joins a growing list of breakthrough innovations from Cadila Pharmaceuticals, including Polycap®, the world’s first polypill for cardiovascular disease, and Mycidac-C®, India’s first active immunotherapy for lung cancer, cementing its position as a pioneer in affordable and accessible healthcare.