Hyderabad: Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has signed a Memorandum of Association (MoA) with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to advance the clinical development of a Zika vaccine. Under this agreement, ICMR will cover the costs for the Phase I clinical trials, including the expenses for conducting, investigating, and monitoring the trials at ICMR network sites across India.

Statements from Key Figures

Dr. K Anand Kumar, Managing Director of Indian Immunologicals Limited, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting IIL’s role in achieving vaccine self-sufficiency in India. He emphasized the importance of creating safe, effective, and affordable vaccines to combat emerging diseases.

ICMR Director General Dr. Rajiv Bahl noted that this initiative supports India’s goals of self-reliance and progress. He praised ICMR’s Phase I trial network, which facilitates early safety studies for innovative and affordable medical technologies within India.

Dr. Priyabrata Pattnaik, Deputy Managing Director of IIL, added that the company is actively working on vaccines for several emerging viral diseases, including Zika, Kyasanur Forest Disease, Chikungunya, and an intra-nasal booster vaccine for SARS-CoV-2.

Vaccine Background

The Zika vaccine, a product of collaboration with Griffith University in Australia, has passed extensive pre-clinical tests and is now authorized to produce GMP-grade materials for clinical trials. Zika virus, primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, can also spread through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and organ transplants. While often mild, Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to severe conditions like microcephaly and other birth defects.

Current Situation in India

As of July 22, 2024, India has reported 537 Zika cases. Currently, there is no vaccine available to prevent the disease.