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Bharat Biotech, a leading biopharmaceutical company in India, has announced the launch of HILLCHOL, a novel single-strain Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV). This significant advancement in global health was developed by Bharat Biotech under license from Hilleman Laboratories to combat the growing threat of cholera.
Bharat Biotech, a leading biopharmaceutical company in India, has announced the launch of HILLCHOL, a novel single-strain Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV). This significant advancement in global health was developed by Bharat Biotech under license from Hilleman Laboratories to combat the growing threat of cholera.
The launch of HILLCHOL comes at a critical time, as the world faces a severe shortage of oral cholera vaccines. Currently, only one manufacturer supplies OCVs globally, resulting in an annual deficit of 40 million doses. To address this pressing issue, Bharat Biotech has established large-scale manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar, with a combined capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of HILLCHOL per year.
Cholera, a preventable and treatable disease, has seen a steady rise in global cases and deaths since 2021. From early 2023 to March 2024, 824,479 cases and 5,900 deaths were reported in 31 countries. HILLCHOL is administered orally on Day 0 and Day 14 and is suitable for individuals aged one year and above. The vaccine is presented as a single-dose respule and should be stored between +2°C and +8°C.
Dr. Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, emphasized the importance of vaccines in preventing, limiting, and controlling cholera outbreaks. He stated, “HILLCHOL is an excellent success story of partnership leading to public health solutions. Our new large-scale cGMP production facilities will significantly enhance our production and supply capabilities for this Oral Cholera Vaccine, advancing our efforts to combat Cholera globally.”
The launch of HILLCHOL marks a significant milestone in global cholera prevention efforts. It will contribute substantially to the Global Task Force on Cholera Control’s (GTFCC) goal of reducing cholera-related deaths by 90% by 2030, alongside improvements in water and sanitation infrastructure.
While the cholera vaccine provides additional protection against infections, it is essential to emphasize that it does not substitute for other preventive measures. Cholera continues to pose a significant public health challenge, especially in regions with inadequate sanitation. The spread of cholera is primarily attributed to the faecal contamination of water and food supplies, a problem exacerbated by natural disasters and among people living in crowded conditions with insufficient access to clean water.
Bharat Biotech, a global leader with 145 patents, ~20 vaccines and bio-therapeutics, and registrations in 125 countries, has manufactured and supplied more than 9 billion doses of vaccines globally, saving millions of lives and livelihoods annually. The rigorous testing of HILLCHOL in pre-clinical and Phase I, II, and III clinical studies has confirmed its safety, immunogenicity, and non-inferiority to existing OCVs, establishing its potential for widespread public health use.
The launch of HILLCHOL is a testament to Bharat Biotech’s commitment to developing innovative solutions to combat global health challenges. This groundbreaking vaccine has the potential to revolutionize the fight against cholera, saving countless lives and improving the well-being of communities worldwide.
