ICMR Seeks Partners for Typhoid and Paratyphoid Vaccine Development

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has launched a strategic initiative aimed at tackling one of India’s most pressing public health issues: typhoid fever. In an effort to develop and commercialize a highly effective typhoid and paratyphoid vaccine, the ICMR has now invited expressions of interest from eligible organizations, companies, and manufacturers. This move marks a significant step in addressing the widespread burden of typhoid in India, where millions of cases are reported annually.

The Invitation for Expression of Interest

The ICMR’s call for collaboration is part of a broader strategy to validate a novel technology for a broad-spectrum typhoid and paratyphoid vaccine. Organizations that respond to the expression of interest (EoI) will be evaluated based on their research and development plans, facilities, and capabilities. Successful applicants will be granted exclusive rights to conduct scientific validation, further development, manufacture, sale, and commercialization of the vaccine, pending the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

One of the key components of this partnership will be the payment of a royalty fee. According to ICMR guidelines for technology development collaboration, successful applicants will be required to pay a 2% royalty on net sales, should the product reach the market.

The Burden of Typhoid in India

Typhoid is a serious bacterial infection affecting the intestines and sometimes the bloodstream, caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. It has the potential to be life-threatening if left untreated and is primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water. Other modes of transmission include contact with an infected person’s feces or urine, as well as sexual contact.

Treatment for typhoid typically involves the use of antibiotics such as chloramphenicol, ampicillin, or ciprofloxacin. Currently, several typhoid vaccines are available in India, including Typbar-TCV, Ty21a, Typhim Vi, and Typherix. Typhoid conjugate vaccines are suitable for children over 6 months of age, while Vi capsular polysaccharide vaccines can be administered to those over 2 years old. Notably, typhoid conjugate vaccines are currently only available in the private sector in India.

Recent studies have highlighted typhoid as a significant public health concern in India. The disease is especially prevalent in urban areas, and estimates suggest that India bears a large share of global typhoid cases, with approximately 4.5 million cases reported annually. This translates to a national incidence of around 360 cases per 100,000 people, underscoring the urgent need for an effective prevention strategy.

The ICMR-NIRBI Initiative

The ICMR-National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (NIRBI) has developed a promising technology titled “Enteric fever vaccine based on outer membrane vesicles from two different strains of Typhoidal Salmonella species.” This innovative approach aims to provide broader protection against both typhoid and paratyphoid fevers.

The goal of the ICMR’s current initiative is to further validate this technology and ensure it meets stringent regulatory standards. Once validated, the vaccine will enter the commercialization phase, making it accessible to a wider population in India and beyond.

Under the proposed partnership, the selected companies will benefit from technical oversight provided by the ICMR-NIRBI Institute. This support will cover various aspects of vaccine development, including study planning, product development, protocol formulation, data analysis, and safety and efficacy assessments. The combined expertise of ICMR scientists and industry partners is expected to accelerate the development and commercialization of this critical vaccine.

Next Steps

The collaboration between ICMR and the chosen partners represents a vital step towards combating typhoid in India. By leveraging cutting-edge research and industry expertise, this initiative aims to bring a more effective vaccine to market, thereby reducing the significant burden of typhoid fever on public health.

The ICMR-NIRBI Institute will provide expert guidance and technical support throughout the vaccine development process. This collaboration is expected to lead to a more robust and versatile typhoid and paratyphoid vaccine, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for millions of Indians.

Your Role

We encourage interested parties to submit their expressions of interest to the ICMR. This opportunity presents a unique chance to contribute to a life-saving vaccine and make a tangible difference in public health. For more information, visit the official ICMR website or contact the ICMR-NIRBI Institute directly.

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