SureVax, Intellicare, Avega form groundbreaking partnership to expand life-saving rabies care
SureVax has entered into a historic partnership with Intellicare and Avega to dramatically expand access to life-saving rabies exposure care in the Philippines.
The partnership is the first effort by two leading healthcare organizations to partner with a dedicated network of independent Animal Bite Centers specializing in rabies treatment.
The partnership also gives Intellicare and Avega members access to animal bite control and referrals‑public rabies treatment facilities at all SureVax clinics nationwide, and coverage based on their program benefits. It improves timely access to care while helping to reduce the burden on hospitals and local health centers.
Intellicare and Avega are also SureVax’s first HMO partners, marking a milestone in the company’s expansion.
Rabies remains one of the most deadly but preventable diseases in the country. Data from the Department of Health (DoH) recorded 426 rabies-related deaths in 2024, all reported human deaths.
Despite the nearly 100% mortality rate once symptoms appear, rabies can be fully prevented when post-exposure treatment is provided promptly. Access delays and overcrowded areas continue to undermine outcomes, particularly in high-rabies and densely populated areas.
SureVax was founded to serve as a leading provider focused on rabies and animal bite care, bringing rapid treatment to community-based clinics while helping to decongest emergency rooms and community hospitals.
“This partnership is changing the way rabies care is delivered,” said Ryan Abis, CEO of SureVax. “Rabies is time-critical. Access determines survival. By partnering with Intellicare and Avega, we are ensuring that patients receive immediate post-exposure care at clinics specifically designed to treat rabies and animal bites.”
The partnership represents a broader shift in the diversification of health care delivery by bringing critical, responsive services to communities.
“This signing introduces a strategic alliance in preventive care, a commitment to improved delivery, faster treatment, and a broader public health impact,” said Dr. Gerardo Jiao, Chief Medical Director of Intellicare.
Dr. Michael John Encarnacion, Medical Director of the Avega Managed Care Medical Provider Relations Department, said “rabies is a highly preventable viral disease.”
“With SureVax, vaccines are now accessible to Intellicare and Avega members, ensuring coverage. Accessible and affordable care may seem like small steps, but they create a big impact,” said Dr. Encarnacion.
SureVax Animal Bite Center and Vaccination Services is a Philippine chain of clinics offering affordable, FDA-approved anti-rabies and anti-tetanus medications, while Intellicare is a leading HMO offering preventive healthcare, and Avega Managed Care, Inc. is the first Third Party Manager specialty in Best Performing (TPA03 HMO) and Best Performing HMO (TPA03) country.
The inclusion of SureVax in the Intellicare and Avega provider networks marks a milestone as they become the company’s first HMO partners. The development comes as SureVax continues to expand its independent clinics across the country to meet the growing demand for post-exposure rabies services.
Beyond immediate access, the partnership sets a precedent for how HMOs and community-based specialty providers can collaborate to address emerging public health threats such as rabies.
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