Bharat Biotech launches oral cholera vaccine after successful Phase 3 trial

Hyderabad:

Bharat Biotech International Ltd on Tuesday announced the launch of Hillchol, a novel single-strain oral cholera vaccine.

A press release from the vaccine manufacturer states that Hillchol (BBV131) was developed by Bharat Biotech under license from Hilleman Laboratories (funded by Merck USA and Wellcome Trust) to combat cholera.

Global demand for oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) exceeds 100 million doses per year, making them critical for cholera control. There is a global shortage of OCVs because there is only one manufacturer.

BBIL ​​has set up large manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar with a capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol, it said.

A multi-step clinical evolution process culminating in a Phase 3 study confirmed the safety, immunogenicity and non-inferiority of the vaccine to existing OCVs and demonstrated its potential for use as a white spirit and in public health settings.

The vaccine, a single-dose Respiro, is administered orally on days 0 and 14 and is suitable for people aged one year and older.

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