India’s first indigenous human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Cervavac, has received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO), making it eligible for procurement by UN agencies.
Developed by the Serum Institute of India, Cervavac is a gender-neutral vaccine that can be administered to both girls and boys aged nine to 26. It protects against four HPV types — 6, 11, 16 and 18.
HPV types 6 and 11 are considered low-risk strains and are mainly associated with genital warts, while types 16 and 18 are high-risk strains linked to several cancers.
In women, the vaccine helps protect against cervical, vulvar, vaginal and anal cancers associated with HPV. In men, it helps protect against anal cancer associated with HPV types 16 and 18.
Cervavac had previously been approved for use in India by the country’s Drugs Controller General (DCGI). Following the WHO prequalification, the vaccine can now be procured by UN agencies.
According to the Serum Institute, children aged nine to 14 should receive two doses six months apart. Those aged 15 to 26 should receive three doses, with a two-month interval between the first and second doses and six months between the second and third doses. All three doses should be administered within one year.
The vaccine is administered intramuscularly.
Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla said the WHO prequalification marked an important step in strengthening the global response to HPV.
He said the milestone reflected the vaccine’s effectiveness and created an opportunity for countries to reduce HPV-related health risks.
Each 0.5ml dose of Cervavac contains proteins designed to trigger an immune response against the four targeted HPV types. The vaccine is produced using the Hansenula polymorpha strain.
Cervavac was developed by the Serum Institute in collaboration with India’s Department of Biotechnology, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), the WHO’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Gates Foundation. (Newswire)
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