IIL launches multiple Indigenous IVF media for embryo transfer

Jammu Tawi:  Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL), a leading vaccine manufacturer, has announced the launch of “Shashthi” an indigenous In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) media developed in collaboration with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB). This launch of IVF media would make the IVF technology more affordable to farmers, reducing costs and enhancing the farmer-centric model of animal husbandry and dairy development. This will promote self-reliance and reduce dependency on imported media and aligns with the vision of “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.Presently, around 8,000 to 10,000 embryos are transferred annually in India, leading to the birth of approximately 2,000 to 2,500 calves, benefiting same number of farmers. However, with increasing coverage of IVF and generous government subsidies, this penetration is expected to rise significantly.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Meenesh Shah, Chairman NDDB mentioned “Launch of indigenous IVF media suite developed by NDDB with its subsidiary Indian Immunologicals Ltd is a historic moment in the saga of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India”. Use of Embryo transfer using IVF has been increasing worldwide to accelerate the genetic progress. With recent emphasis and support from the GoI under Rashtriya Gokul Mission, 36 IVF laboratories have been established. Presently, all IVF laboratories are using imported IVF media which is not only costly, it has limited shelf life. Indigenous IVF media suite will help reducing the cost of embryo production facilitating acceptability of the technology for our dairy farmers”.Speaking on the occasion, Dr K Anand Kumar, Managing Director, Indian Immunologicals Limited said, “IIL is the first in India to get into the manufacturing of a series of Indigenous IVF media. The current cost of commercial media, per embryo is Rs. 1,000.00. In contrast, the indigenously developed media is 33% less than the imported media and would costs Rs. 650.00 per embryo. This reduction in the cost of media would lead to decrease in the cost of embryos and, subsequently, the cost of pregnancies”.