Vaccines for cervical cancer prevention will be available in large quantities from 2024, says SII CEO Adar Poonawalla

Chief Executive Officer of Serum Institute of India (SII), Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday said that the first made-in-India Human Papillomavirus (HPV) “CERVAVAC” vaccine availability will be little in number this year and will be increased in 2024.

Talking to the media SII CEO said, “I had come to brief the Union Health minister about it. We’ll wait for the government program to roll out. Capacity is very small this year but we’ll build a large capacity to take care of the entire nation’s needs for next year.”

Meanwhile, Poonawalla talked about the rollout program of the vaccine and said, through government programs, it would be done.

“We will slowly roll it out through government programs this year. I can’t comment on pricing now. We will wait for tendering process and follow government protocols,” SII CEO said.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Chief Executive Officer of Serum Institute of India (SII), Adar Poonawalla launched the first made-in-India HPV vaccine for cervical cancer.

Moreover, in the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, Adar Poonawalla, and the Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs at Serum Institute of India, Prakash K Singh the vaccine “CERVAVAC” was launched.

“On the occasion of India’s National Girl Child Day and Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, @SerumInstIndia is pleased to launch the first made-in-India HPV vaccine by the hands of our Hon’ble Home Minister Shri @AmitShah Ji. @PrakashKsingh7,” Adar Poonawalla tweeted.