Bharat Biotech’s Typbar TCV, the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine against typhoid fever has received prequalification from World Health Organisation (WHO). This enables the procurement and supplies to UNICEF, Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and GAVI supported countries.
The company stated that as the world’s first clinically proven Typbar TCV has been evaluated in Human Challenge Studies at Oxford University and typhoid conjugate vaccines have been recommended by WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (WHO-SAGE).
Typbar TCV is the first typhoid vaccine, clinically proven to be administered to children from 6 months of age to adults and confers long term protection against typhoid fever.
International Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) estimates that in 2016, there were approximately 12 million cases of typhoid fever resulting in around 130,000 deaths. In most developing countries the cost of a course for typhoid fever ranges from $50 to $5000 for outpatient and inpatient treatment.
The product is under development since 2001. With 5 years of follow up data for seroconversion, Typbar TCV at 25µg / dose has proven long term protection for children and adults alike, and can be administered to children from 6 months of age. Bharat Biotech is appreciative to Dr. John Robbins, who in 1999 trusted the team to deliver the promise of vaccines against typhoid fever.
“When we started this project, Typhoid fever was a neglected tropical disease. This success is a true reflection of our team’s ability to develop novel vaccines and sustain long term product development for fighting infectious diseases. It demonstrates the power of global partnerships to achieve novel breakthroughs, stated Dr. Krishna Ella, Chairman and Managing Director, Bharat Biotech.
“For Typbar TCV to reach vulnerable populations, we are pleased to announce the price of $ 1.50/ dose for procurement for GAVI supported countries. Recognizing the importance of sustained vaccine procurement for low income, we announce a further price reduction to around $ 1.0 or below / dose, post procurement of 100 million doses,” said Dr Ella.
Bharat Biotech has partnered with Aga Khan University Hospital in Hyderabad, Pakistan to introduce Typbar TCV to vulnerable populations in Pakistan. Towards this endeavour, it donated 50,000 doses and agreed to supply an additional 200,000 doses at subsidized rates.
“The WHO prequalification of Typbar TCV marks an important milestone in the global effort to rid the world of typhoid fever and improve health for some of the most vulnerable populations in the world.” said Prof Andrew Pollard, University of Oxford.
Bharat biotech, prequalification, who for typhoid fever
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