Bharat Biotech Launches Hillchol: A Revolutionary Cholera Vaccine

Bharat Biotech has launched Hillchol, a novel single-strain oral cholera vaccine developed under license from Hilleman Laboratories. With a global demand exceeding 100 million doses annually, Hillchol aims to fill the shortage gap. The vaccine, proven safe and effective, will be mass-produced in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar.

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

According to a press release, Hillchol (BBV131) was developed under a license from Hilleman Laboratories, funded by Merck USA and Wellcome Trust, to tackle cholera. With global demand for Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) exceeding 100 million doses annually, Hillchol aims to address the critical shortage as there is currently only one manufacturer worldwide.

Bharat Biotech has set up large-scale manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar with the capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol. A multi-stage clinical trial, culminating in a phase 3 study, confirmed the vaccine's safety, immunogenicity, and non-inferiority to existing OCVs. Hillchol, administered orally on day 0 and day 14, is suitable for individuals older than one year.

(With inputs from agencies.)