.webp)
India’s Vaccine Leader Bharat Biotech to Launch New Cholera Amid Severe Global Shortage
India’s Bharat Biotech is stepping up to address the worsening global cholera crisis with the launch of its new oral vaccine, Hillchol. After a successful late-stage trial, Bharat Biotech plans to produce up to 200 million doses annually, aiming to ease the severe shortage of cholera vaccines as outbreaks become more widespread.
Hillchol has recently gained approval from India’s drug regulator and is now seeking pre-qualification from the World Health Organization (WHO). This crucial step will allow Bharat Biotech to supply the vaccine to major international buyers like UNICEF. Currently, South Korea’s EuBiologics Co is the only other WHO-approved producer of cholera vaccines, making this a significant move by Bharat Biotech into a competitive market.
The company’s primary focus is on Africa, where cholera outbreaks have been especially devastating. Bharat Biotech is open to working with African nations to supply the vaccine for local production. The Hyderabad facility will initially produce 45 million doses per year, with plans to expand production to 200 million doses pending approval for a new facility. The investment in these facilities is around $100 million, although exact figures remain confidential.
The vaccine’s late-stage trials, involving approximately 3,600 participants in India, have shown that Hillchol is as safe and effective as existing cholera vaccines. With the WHO reporting over 249,000 cholera cases and 2,137 deaths in the first half of the year, the need for vaccines is urgent. Bharat Biotech’s Hillchol could play a crucial role in addressing the global vaccine shortage and protecting vulnerable populations, including young children.
.webp)
.webp)
