Bharat Biotech International Ltd on Tuesday announced the launch of Hillchol, a novel single-strain oral cholera vaccine. A press release from the vaccine maker said Hillchol (BBV131) was developed by Bharat Biotech under license from Hilleman Laboratories (funded by Merck USA and Wellcome Trust) to combat Cholera.

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Global demand for Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCVs) exceeds 100 million doses annually, making them crucial for cholera control. Globally, there is a shortage of OCVs as there is only one manufacturer. BBIL has established large-scale manufacturing facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar with a capacity to produce up to 200 million doses of Hillchol, it further said.

A multi-stage, clinical evolution process, culminating in a phase 3 study confirmed the vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and non-inferiority to existing OCVs, establishing its potential for white spirit, and public health use. The vaccine, a single dose capsule, is administered orally on days 0 and 14 and is suitable for individuals older than one year.