admin In a significant stride toward global health improvement, the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has initiated a pivotal technology transfer of its simplified Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV-S) to Biological E. Limited (BE), a leading pharmaceutical and vaccine company based in India. This move comes at a crucial time as the world grapples with an upsurge in cholera outbreaks, emphasising the urgent need for accessible and affordable vaccines.
A United Front Against Cholera
IVI’s collaboration with BE marks a strategic effort to amplify the production and global availability of a cost-efficient cholera vaccine. The technology licence agreement, signed last November, sets the stage for BE to commence the production of OCV-S, with IVI providing ongoing support for clinical development and regulatory approvals. This partnership not only aims to bolster the vaccine supply in India but also seeks to make a significant impact on the global public market.
With the technology transfer completion targeted for 2025, the vaccine’s production is poised to address the immediate and future needs of both Indian and international communities. Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, highlighted the initiative’s potential to mitigate the risks associated with poverty-related infectious diseases, praising BE’s commitment to global vaccine accessibility. Meanwhile, Ms. Mahima Datla, Managing Director of BE, underscored the collaborative spirit of this venture, aiming to forge a legacy of innovation and health stewardship.
This agreement is IVI’s sixth technology transfer, reflecting a broader commitment to enhancing global vaccine supplies, particularly for diseases that disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries. The collaboration underscores a shared vision between IVI and BE to confront global health challenges through sustainable vaccine solutions. Dr. Julia Lynch, Director of IVI’s Cholera Program, emphasised the critical nature of increasing oral cholera vaccine availability as part of a multifaceted approach to disease control and prevention.
IVI and BE are also working towards securing the World Health Organization’s pre-qualification for OCV-S, further facilitating its global distribution. This distinction is crucial for enabling large-scale procurement by international agencies like UNICEF, thereby extending the vaccine’s reach to those most in need.
The development and dissemination of OCV-S are part of IVI’s comprehensive strategy to combat cholera through vaccine supply assurance, improvement, and support for vaccine utilisation. Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, this initiative stands as a testament to the power of partnership in addressing global health challenges, paving the way for a healthier future worldwide. With more manufacturers like BE entering the market, the global vaccine supply outlook appears robust, offering hope for widespread cholera prevention and control.
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