Serum Institute’s Cervavac Gets WHO Prequalification

Cervavac, India’s first indigenously developed gender-neutral quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine, has received World Health Organization prequalification. The vaccine was developed by Serum Institute of India in Pune and targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18.

WHO Prequalification

WHO prequalification is a quality assessment process used for medicines, vaccines and diagnostics. It allows products to be considered for procurement by United Nations agencies and other international public health programmes.

Vaccine Profile

Cervavac is a quadrivalent HPV vaccine, which means it protects against four HPV types. It is indicated for girls and boys aged nine through 26 years. The vaccine is used for prevention of HPV-related cancers and genital warts linked to the targeted virus types.

Development and Regulatory Status

Cervavac was developed in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology, the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. It was approved for use in India by the Drugs Controller General of India and launched nationally on 24 January 2023.

Important Facts for Exams

• Serum Institute of India is based in Pune, Maharashtra.
• WHO prequalification helps United Nations agencies procure vaccines for global use.
• HPV types 16 and 18 are linked with several cancers, while types 6 and 11 are linked with genital warts.
• Cervavac is India’s first indigenously developed gender-neutral quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

Exam Relevance

This is the 32nd WHO prequalification received by Serum Institute of India for its products and biologicals. Cervavac expands India’s presence in the global vaccine supply chain.