Hyderabad: Hilleman Laboratories announced on Wednesday that it will collaborate with Hyderabad-based vaccine maker Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) for further development of its novel oral cholera vaccine Hillchol.
The vaccine, once ready for use, will address the growing need to stop cholera in the developing world.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Bharat Biotech chairman and managing director Krishna Ella said that with the help of this vaccine, many poor children affected with cholera will be saved in the near future.
"In most of the cases, people having cholera are given antibiotics which adds more hospitalisation, unnecessary occupation of primary health centres. Once the oral vaccine is ready to use, all these problems will be solved," Krishna Ella said.
Cholera kills an estimated 95,000 people and affects 2.9 million more every year. Urgent action is needed to protect communities, prevent transmission and control outbreaks.
As per the studies, cholera is prevalent in South Asia and Africa and is on the World Health Organisation's priority list. Though in India its occurrence is very rare, experts have warned it can rear its head like it used to do in the past.
According to the WHO, cholera is endemic in over 50 countries, with estimated mortality of 100,000-120,000 deaths annually and morbidity of 3.8-4.4 million annual cases attributed to this disease.
Speaking on the collaboration, Hilleman Laboratories CEO Dr. Davinder Gill said the two companies will bring forward a vaccine where all the research and development is done in India for a disease which is relevant in India.
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