Serum Institute’s HPV vaccine Cervavac receives WHO prequalification

Serum Institute of India’s recombinant Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) vaccine Cervavac has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification.

The vaccine targets HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18. It is indicated for girls and boys aged 9 through 26 years. Inclusion on the WHO list of prequalified vaccines allows Cervavac to be procured by United Nations agencies, Serum Institute said.

The vaccine was developed in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), along with the WHO-IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) and the Gates Foundation. It is the 32nd WHO prequalification for products/biologicals received by Serum Institute, the vaccine maker said.

“WHO prequalification of Cervavac is an important step in strengthening the global response to HPV. We are pleased to see this indigenously developed vaccine reach this achievement,” CEO Adar Poonawalla said.

Approved for use in India by DCGI

Cervavac has been approved for use in India by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). The vaccine is administered for the prevention of diseases caused by the four HPV types — prevention of anal cancer in boys and young men, and cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers in girls and young women. It is also indicated in preventing genital warts, as applicable to the indicated population.

The vaccine is administered intramuscularly and available in 1-dose vials of 0.5 ml and 2-dose vials of 1.0 ml presentations.