Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) has developed and manufactured Cervavac, the first indigenous vaccine against cervical cancer, which is now available in the private market. The government sector is expected to roll out the vaccine by the end of this year.

According to sources in the SII, they have a production capacity of 2-3 million doses, and the market price for a single dose of the two-dose vial is Rs 2000/-.

India has the second highest prevalence of cervical cancer, with the country contributing to almost one-fifth of the global burden. India reports approximately 1.23 lakh new cases and around 77,000 deaths due to cervical cancer each year.

Dr. Smita Joshi, the principal investigator for the HPV vaccine study conducted by the Serum Institute of India at Ruby Hall Clinic, stated that there are two available tools for preventing cervical cancer: HPV vaccination for adolescent girls and cervical cancer screening for adult women using an HPV test.

Dr Joshi further added -

“All women aged 30-60 must get screened with an HPV test, which is more accurate than the pap smear for cervical cancer even if they have no symptoms. They must also get their adolescent daughters vaccinated with the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.”

SII, recognized as the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, produces Cervavac in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Dr Joshi said-

“The SII’s vaccine is approved in India for girls aged nine to 26 and is priced relatively lesser than Merck’s HPV vaccine.”

https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/serum-institute-of-india-sii-cancer-vaccine-8699726/