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Serum Institute's Cervavac HPV Vaccine Secures WHO Prequalification
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News18•05-10-2026, 14:30
Serum Institute's Cervavac HPV Vaccine Secures WHO Prequalification
- •India's first indigenously developed HPV vaccine, Cervavac, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, has received WHO prequalification.
- •The milestone allows United Nations agencies to procure the vaccine for global distribution, enhancing international immunisation coverage.
- •Cervavac is a recombinant quadrivalent vaccine targeting HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18, intended for individuals aged 9 through 26 years.
- •CEO Adar Poonawalla emphasized that the approval highlights the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing HPV-related risks globally.
- •Developed in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology and BIRAC, the vaccine prevents cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal cancers as well as genital warts.
Key Questions Answered
Cervavac is India's first indigenously developed Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, which recently received prequalification from the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The recombinant quadrivalent vaccine targets HPV strains 6, 11, 16, and 18, and is indicated for use in girls, boys, women, and men aged 9 through 26 years to prevent related cancers and genital warts.
Individuals aged 9 to 14 years receive Cervavac according to a 2-dose schedule, while individuals aged 15 to 26 years receive a 3-dose schedule administered intramuscularly.
