Biopharma in India — The first indigenously developed genetically engineered (recombinant) Hepatitis B vaccine in India was produced by which company?

Introduction / Context:
India’s biotechnology sector made global headlines by developing an affordable recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine. Recognizing the pioneering company helps students connect scientific innovation with public health impact.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Recombinant HBV vaccines express HBsAg in heterologous hosts.
• Affordable vaccines improved coverage in national immunization programs.
• The question asks about the first Indian recombinant HBV vaccine developer.

Concept / Approach:
Shantha Biotechnics Pvt. Ltd. (later part of Sanofi) launched an indigenous recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine (often known as Shanvac-B). It used recombinant HBsAg expression and helped drive down costs, improving access across India and other low- and middle-income countries.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Press releases, WHO prequalification records, and Indian biotech histories cite Shantha’s early HBV vaccine as a milestone in domestic biopharma innovation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Ranbaxy/Dabur/Glaxo Pvt. Ltd.: not credited with the first Indian recombinant HBV vaccine.
• Biocon: a major biotech company, but not the first to launch an Indian HBV recombinant vaccine.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing multinational brand availability with indigenous development and manufacturing firsts.

Final Answer:
Shantha Biotechnics Pvt. Ltd..