Hyderabad- Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL) has introduced a novel single-strain Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) named HILLCHOL® in Hyderabad. This vaccine was developed in collaboration with Hilleman Laboratories and is supported by funding from Merck, USA, and the Wellcome Trust, UK. During the launch, BBIL’s Executive Director, Dr. Krishna Ella, emphasized that HILLCHOL® is a testament to successful partnerships that drive public health advancements.

He also mentioned that their new production facilities in Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar will significantly boost the manufacturing and distribution of the Oral Cholera Vaccine, aiding in the global fight against cholera.

According to global data, there is currently a shortfall of approximately 40 million doses of OCV, as there is only one major producer. Despite cholera being a preventable and treatable disease, over 800,000 cases and 5,900 deaths have been reported across 31 countries in the past year. The HILLCHOL® vaccine is administered orally on Day 0 and Day 14, and is suitable for children over one year old. It is available as a single dose and needs to be stored between 2°C and 8°C.