Zydus to Launch World's First Combo Vaccine for Shigellosis & Typhoid

Zydus Lifesciences Limited declared its intention to concentrate on creating a vaccine that covers both typhoid and shigellosis. India's innovative capabilities are highlighted by this combination vaccine, which is being developed for the first time in the world and has the potential to defend against the deadly enteric diseases Shigella and Typhoid, the business stated in a news release.

Early-stage development, animal immunogenicity, and regulatory preclinical toxicity studies will all be conducted by Zydus for this combination vaccination. Supported by the Gates Foundation, the project is anticipated to begin in March 2025.

The WHO-prequalified Typhoid conjugate vaccine (ZyVacTM TCV) and Shigella vaccine from Zydus' partner will be used in the research and co-development of a combination vaccine by Zydus, a multinational life sciences company that specializes in innovative, reasonably priced, and highly effective vaccines.

The best method of illness prevention and control is still vaccination. Children under five years old are protected by the TCV-Shigella combination vaccine from typhoid fever, which is caused by the salmonella bacteria, and shigellosis, a diarrheal illness caused by the Shigella bacteria, in regions where both illnesses are endemic. In a situation when childhood vaccination regimens are getting more crowded, costly, and unsustainable, this combination of vaccinations, if successful, will protect kids against two deadly enteric diseases of global importance and might even be a workable answer.

“The Gates Foundation has always supported efforts that help save children’s lives. We are excited about supporting this initiative by Zydus, which would leverage India’s science and innovation expertise, and has the potential to contribute significantly to protecting children, not just in India, but also in other parts of the world,” M Hari Menon, Country Director, Gates Foundation, said.