Zydus Lifesciences Limited has received in-principle acceptability from the World Health Organization (WHO) for its indigenously developed typhoid conjugate vaccine, ZyVac® TCV, making it eligible for purchase by United Nations procurement agencies. This approval allows ZyVac® TCV to be considered for global immunization programs aimed at combating typhoid fever, particularly in regions like India, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where the disease is prevalent.
ZyVac® TCV is intended for active immunization against Salmonella typhi infection for individuals aged 6 months to 65 years. This WHO prequalification opens the door to significant opportunities for the vaccine, with over 150 million doses of typhoid conjugate vaccines procured annually by UN agencies.
Typhoid remains a major public health concern, with India accounting for 75% of the incidence and mortality in the South Asian region. The disease affects between 11 to 21 million people worldwide each year, leading to an estimated 117,000 to 161,000 deaths, primarily among children under the age of five. This prequalification positions Zydus to play a key role in the fight against this deadly illness.
