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WHO Prequalifies India's Cervavac HPV Vaccine

The decision clears the vaccine for purchase by UN agencies, creating a pathway for wider global supply of a gender‑neutral four‑strain HPV product.

The vaccine targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is indicated for girls and boys aged nine through 26 years. (REPRESENTATIVE PIC)
Serum Institute Director Prakash Kumar Singh presented the made-in-India HPV vaccine 'Cervavac' before Union Minister Jitendra Singh in New Delhi in 2023 | ANI file

Overview

  • WHO granted prequalification to Cervavac on Monday, making the Serum Institute of India’s HPV vaccine eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies.
  • Cervavac is a recombinant quadrivalent vaccine that targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 and is indicated for girls and boys aged 9 through 26 years.
  • The recommended schedule is two intramuscular doses for people aged 9–14 and three doses for those 15–26, with the vaccine supplied in 0.5 ml and 1.0 ml vials.
  • The vaccine was developed by the Serum Institute with India’s Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC and with WHO‑IARC and the Gates Foundation, and it is produced using the Hansenula polymorpha yeast strain.
  • SII said the prequalification expands global access and strengthens HPV prevention programs, and the listing follows SII’s history of WHO approvals that could help low‑ and middle‑income countries scale vaccination to cut HPV‑related cancers and genital warts.