Overview
- Cervavac, which WHO prequalified on Monday, Oct. 5, is now eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies and global immunisation programmes.
- The vaccine is a gender‑neutral recombinant quadrivalent formulation that targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and is indicated for people aged 9 to 26 years.
- Dosing follows standard HPV practice: children 9–14 receive two intramuscular doses six months apart and those 15–26 receive three doses within one year.
- Serum Institute of India developed Cervavac with support from the Department of Biotechnology, BIRAC, WHO‑IARC and the Gates Foundation and produced it using the Hansenula polymorpha system.
- WHO prequalification signals potential for larger, lower‑cost supply to low‑ and middle‑income countries and could accelerate national HPV programmes and cancer prevention efforts if UN agencies begin purchases.