Serum Institute launches 1st indigenous vaccine against cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second most prevalent common cancer in India. The country accounts for nearly one–fifth of the global burden of cervical cancer. Every year, 1.23 lakh new cases and around 77,000 deaths are reported in India.

Dr Smita Joshi, principal investigator for Serum Institute of India’s HPV vaccine study at Ruby Hall Clinic, said HPV vaccination of adolescent girls and cervical cancer screening of adult women using an HPV test are the two tools available to prevent cervical cancer. “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,” said Dr Joshi.

Cervavac is manufactured by SII–the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer–in association with the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology along with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “The SII’s vaccine is approved in India for girls aged nine to 26 and is priced relatively lesser than Merck’s HPV vaccine,” Dr Joshi said.