Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 8: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated human clinical trials for an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), the Union health ministry said on Saturday.

KFD is a regional viral disease prevalent in the Western Ghats, affecting states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa and Maharashtra. The vaccine development was taken up by ICMR following a request from the Karnataka government.

The vaccine is being developed collaboratively by Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and the ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV). It is a fully indigenous, two-dose adjuvanted inactivated vaccine to be administered 28 days apart.

According to the ministry, the vaccine has been successfully developed, with animal challenge and toxicity studies already completed. The GLP-grade vaccine material has also been manufactured.

Following approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), a Phase I human clinical trial has now been initiated. If the trial proves successful, further clinical studies will be conducted. Upon confirmation of safety and immunogenicity, regulatory approval will be sought from the CDSCO.

The Centre reiterated its commitment to extending continued support to state governments in addressing complex public health challenges.