In response to a severe global shortage of oral cholera vaccines, India-based Bharat Biotech is preparing to launch its newly developed vaccine, Hillchol. The move makes Bharat Biotech only the second manufacturer in the world to produce an oral cholera vaccine, joining South Korea’s EuBiologics, which currently has more than 80% of the market.

A major step in global cholera prevention

Demand for oral cholera vaccines is growing, with an estimated need of about 100 million doses annually. However, existing supply chains are being stretched. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently confirmed that global stocks have dried up, leaving millions of people vulnerable to the disease, particularly in low and middle-income countries.

Hillchol: Proved Safe and Effective

Hillchol completed a rigorous Phase III clinical trial study of Safety and Immunogenicity of Hillchol, which enrolled 1,800 subjects: infants, children, and adults from ten sites across India. The vaccine showed strong safety and immunity with mild, manageable side effects, similar to existing vaccines. Furthermore, it induced over fourfold antibody response in both major serotypes of cholera, Ogawa (68.3%) and Inaba (69.5%).

These findings, as published in Vaccines on Science Direct, form a landmark for Bharat Biotech in its contribution to world health.

Manufacturing capacity set to transform supply

Bharat Biotech has significantly expanded its manufacturing capabilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, enabling the production of a million doses of Hillchol annually, four times EuBiologics’ projected 2025 production.

Looking ahead: A new chapter in vaccine access

The introduction of Hillchol comes at a critical time, especially when cholera outbreaks are increasing and vaccine supplies are stretched thin. Its launch promises to reduce supply bottlenecks globally, improve outbreak response, and provide new hope for vulnerable populations.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)