New Delhi — Cervavac, India’s first domestically developed human papillomavirus vaccine, has received prequalification from the World Health Organization, making it eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies and expanding its potential use globally.
The vaccine was developed by the Serum Institute of India and had previously received approval from the Drugs Controller General of India for domestic use.
Cervavac is a quadrivalent, gender-neutral vaccine designed for girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 26. It targets four HPV strains — types 6, 11, 16 and 18.
HPV types 6 and 11 are commonly associated with genital warts, while types 16 and 18 are considered high-risk strains linked to several cancers.
For women, the vaccine can help protect against HPV-related cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers. For men, it provides protection against HPV-related anal cancer.
According to the Serum Institute, children ages 9 to 14 should receive two doses six months apart, while people ages 15 to 26 require a three-dose schedule administered within one year.
Serum Institute Chief Executive Officer Adar Poonawalla said the WHO prequalification represents an important step in expanding access to preventive vaccination and strengthening the global fight against HPV-related diseases.
The vaccine contains proteins designed to trigger an immune response against the four targeted HPV strains and is manufactured using the Hansenula polymorpha expression system.
WHO prequalification is an important benchmark for vaccine quality, safety and efficacy and allows international agencies and global immunization programs to procure approved products.
Cervavac was developed by the Serum Institute in partnership with India’s Department of Biotechnology, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Gates Foundation. (Source: IANS)
