Zydus Secures WHO Approval for ZyVac® TCV, Boosting Global Typhoid Defense

On October 23, 2024, Zydus Lifesciences Limited and its subsidiaries announced that they have received preliminary approval from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their vaccine, ZyVac® TCV. This means that United Nations (UN) agencies can now purchase ZyVac® TCV, which is made in India at the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad.

ZyVac® TCV is designed to protect against Salmonella typhi infections for individuals aged 6 months to 65 years. This approval allows the vaccine to be included in the UN’s procurement program, which buys over 150 million doses of typhoid conjugate vaccines each year to help fight the disease in regions where it is most common, such as India, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

Typhoid fever is a serious illness caused by the bacterium Salmonella enterica serovar typhi (S. typhi), which spreads through contaminated food and water. In South Asia, India accounts for 75% of the cases and deaths related to typhoid fever. 

According to GAVI (2022), typhoid causes an estimated 11 to 21 million illnesses and leads to 117,000 to 161,000 deaths annually. WHO data shows that a significant number of severe cases occur in young children, with 27% of cases in kids under five.

About Zydus

Zydus Lifesciences Ltd help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives. It is a global life sciences company that develops and manufactures a wide range of healthcare therapies. Zydus is particularly strong in cancer treatments, offering various solutions, including cytotoxic and targeted drugs. The company employs over 27,000 people worldwide, including 1,400 scientists focused on research and development, and is committed to creating innovative healthcare solutions that improve lives.

On October 23, 2024, Zydus Lifesciences Ltd’s share price opened at ₹988.20, touching the day’s high of ₹1,005.55  as of 11:00 AM on the NSE.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making related decisions.