Bharat Biotech launches Oral Cholera Vaccine Hillchol

Hyderabad: Bharat Biotech International on Tuesday announced the launch of Hillchol, a single-strain oral cholera vaccine, following a successful phase-III clinical trial that confirmed the safety of the jab. The vaccine will be manufactured at its plant in Hyderabad/

The vaccine-maker said Hillchol (BBV131) was developed under licence from Hilleman Laboratories (funded by Merck USA and Wellcome Trust) to combat cholera. The vaccine is administered orally 14 days apart (two doses) and is suitable for individuals older than one year.

Bharat Biotech will soon approach the World Health Organisation for a pre-qualification to supply the vaccine worldwide through international agencies. Global demand for oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) exceeds 100 million doses annually. Globally, there is a shortage of 40 million doses of OCVs as there is only one manufacturer, he said.

While cholera is preventable and treatable, global cases and deaths have risen steadily since 2021. From early 2023 to March this year, 8,24,479 cases and 5,900 deaths were reported in 31 countries, the release from the BBIL said.