A novel single-strain Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) has been launched by the Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) in Hyderabad. The vaccine named, HILLCHOL® was developed under license from Hilleman Laboratories, and is funded by Merck, USA and Wellcome Trust, UK. Speaking at the launch, BBIL, Executive Director, Dr. Krishna Ella said, HILLCHOL® is a success story of partnership leading to public health solutions. He added that their new large-scale production facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar will significantly enhance the production and supply capabilities for the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) as part of their efforts to combat Cholera globally.
Global Statistics suggest that there is a deficit of about 40 million doses of OCV worldwide, as there is only one manufacturer supplies them. While cholera is preventable and treatable, over 8 lakh cases registered during the past one year and 5900 deaths reported in 31 countries. The vaccine is administered orally on Day 0 and Day 14 and is suitable for children older than one year. It is presented as a single-dose and should be stored between 2°C and 8°C.
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