Bharat Biotech International Ltd announced on Tuesday the introduction of Hillchol, a pioneering single-strain oral cholera vaccine. This innovative vaccine, known as BBV131, marks a significant step forward in the global fight against cholera, a disease that continues to pose a serious public health threat in many parts of the world.
According to a press release issued by Bharat Biotech, Hillchol (BBV131) was meticulously developed under a license agreement with Hilleman Laboratories. Hilleman Laboratories, supported by funding from Merck USA and the Wellcome Trust, has been at the forefront of research aimed at combating cholera.
The collaboration between Bharat Biotech and Hilleman Laboratories has resulted in a vaccine designed to address the ongoing challenges posed by cholera outbreaks. The global demand for Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) currently exceeds 100 million doses annually, highlighting the critical role these vaccines play in cholera prevention and control.
Despite the high demand, there is a significant shortage of OCVs worldwide, with only one other manufacturer producing these vaccines on a large scale. This shortage underscores the urgent need for additional manufacturers to step in and contribute to the global cholera control efforts.
In response to this demand, Bharat Biotech has invested in large-scale manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, India. These state-of-the-art facilities have been equipped to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol annually. This substantial production capacity positions Bharat Biotech as a key player in meeting the global need for OCVs, potentially alleviating the existing shortage and ensuring a more stable supply of these vital vaccines.
Hillchol underwent a rigorous, multi-stage clinical development process, culminating in a phase 3 clinical trial. This extensive evaluation confirmed the vaccine’s safety, immunogenicity, and non-inferiority when compared to existing oral cholera vaccines. These findings suggest that Hillchol is not only a safe and effective option but also has the potential to become a significant tool in global cholera prevention and control strategies.
One of the standout features of Hillchol is its administration protocol. The vaccine is delivered as a single-dose respule, taken orally on two occasions—once on day 0 and then again on day 14. This straightforward dosing schedule enhances the vaccine’s accessibility and ease of use, making it suitable for a broad age range.
Notably, Hillchol is approved for individuals older than one year, expanding its potential impact on public health, particularly in regions where cholera remains a pressing concern. The launch of Hillchol by Bharat Biotech represents a major advancement in the global effort to combat cholera.
With its large-scale production capabilities and proven clinical efficacy, Hillchol is poised to play a crucial role in addressing the worldwide shortage of oral cholera vaccines and contributing to better public health outcomes in vulnerable populations.
Bharat Biotech International Ltd. is a leading Indian biotechnology company known for its innovative vaccine development. Established in 1996, the company has pioneered various vaccines, including the world’s first typhoid conjugate vaccine and Covaxin, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine. Headquartered in Hyderabad, it is committed to affordable healthcare through cutting-edge research and large-scale manufacturing.
