SII’s multivalent meningococcal meningitis vaccine gets WHO pre-qualification

The WHO prequalification, which ensures a vaccine meets strict international quality, safety, and efficacy standards, was supported by extensive clinical studies in The Gambia, India, and Mali that demonstrated a high level of safety and immunogenicity.

Importantly, prequalification allows MenFive to be procured by United Nations agencies and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. CEO of Serum Institute of India Adar Poonawalla said in an official statement, “MenFive is a game-changer vaccine developed through a powerful 13-year collaboration between SIIPL, PATH, and vital support from the UK government, in the fight against meningococcal meningitis in Africa. As the first conjugate vaccine to safeguard against the five predominant causes of this deadly disease, MenFive offers hope for a future free from annual outbreaks and epidemics in the African meningitis belt. It is a big moment as we, together, pave the way towards a healthier Africa, saving countless lives.”

Meningococcal meningitis is a bacterial infection that sets in rapidly and can kill within hours. It can cause severe brain damage and sepsis, leading to limb amputation and is fatal in 50 per cent of cases if untreated. Anyone can contract it, but children under the age of five—especially infants — may suffer the most severe effects, said SIIPL scientists. “MenFive is a much-required medical intervention and our vaccine will protect against all five strains ,” Dr Rajeev Dhere, executive director of SIIPL told The Indian Express.