India (Commonwealth Union)_ The Serum Institute of India (SII) has launched its inaugural domestically developed vaccine against cervical cancer, known as ‘Cervavac,’ which is now available in the private market of India. According to reports, the cost of a single dose from the two-dose vial is ₹2000, and the institute has the capacity to manufacture 2-3 million doses. Further, the vaccine is anticipated to be made available in the government sector by the end of 2023.
Dr. Smita Joshi, the chief investigator for the HPV vaccine study conducted by the Serum Institute of India, emphasized the importance of two preventive measures for cervical cancer: HPV vaccination for adolescent girls and cancer screening for adult women utilizing an HPV test. Dr. Joshi also stressed that all women aged 30-60 should undergo HPV testing, which is more accurate than a pap smear in detecting cervical cancer, even in the absence of symptoms. Additionally, she emphasized the significance of vaccinating adolescent daughters against the human papillomavirus.
Reiterating the importance of HPV vaccination and HPV testing for cervical cancer screening, Dr. Joshi also highlighted that the SII’s vaccine is authorized in India for girls aged 9 to 26, and the cost is relatively lower compared to Merck’s HPV vaccine. Manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, the largest vaccine manufacturer in the world, the vaccine has links with the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Further, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) also granted market authorization to the Serum Institute of India (SII) for the production of India’s first Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (qHPV) against cervical cancer.
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of SII, expressed his gratitude for the approval, emphasizing that this Indian HPV vaccine will provide an affordable and accessible treatment for cervical cancer in women. He expressed his excitement on Twitter, stating, “For the first time, there will be an Indian HPV vaccine to treat cervical cancer in women that is both affordable and accessible. We look forward to launching it later this year, and we thank the #DCGI @MoHFW_INDIA for granting approval today.” Further, cervical cancer ranks as the second most prevalent cancer in India, accounting for approximately one-fifth of global cases. Reports indicate that India records nearly 1.23 lakh new cases and 77,000 deaths annually due to cervical cancer.
