How Is Zydus Lifesciences’ TVS Shigella Combination Vaccine Going to Be Revolutionary?

Zydus Lifesciences has announced plans to develop the TCV Shigella combination vaccine in collaboration with its research partner and the Gates Foundation for children aged under 5 years. This is expected to be the world’s first combination vaccine providing dual protection against such deadly enteric diseases that take over 4,00,000 lives globally. 

Why Is This Significant?

As per the World Health Organisation’s list of global priority endemic pathogens for vaccine research and development (R&D), Shigella bacteria is a significant concern in Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Eastern Mediterranean region. 

Moreover, over 16 million people annually suffer from typhoid and paratyphoid fever worldwide. This has prompted Zydus Lifesciences Limited to perform early-stage development and preclinical toxicology studies for vaccine development, which is expected to positively impact its share prices. 

Cost of India’s Childhood Immunisation Programs

Vaccination is one of the key methods of controlling and preventing the spread of diseases. With financial support from the Gates Foundation, Zydus Lifesciences Limited is expected to perform animal immunogenicity studies to check the safety and efficacy of the TVS Shigella combination vaccine. 

In 2020, the government of India spent nearly $1.73 billion on children’s vaccination, with the cost of basic vaccination coverage being $784.91 million. The development of the TVS Shigella combination vaccine can present a viable solution for crowded, unsustainable, and expensive childhood immunisation programs in countries like India. 

India’s Pharma Ambitions

In 2025, India’s pharmaceutical industry was valued at $55 billion. By 2047, it is expected to reach a size of $450 billion. Its share in the global pharmaceutical market is expected to increase from 3%-3.5% currently to 5% by 2030. 

Since 2018, India’s pharmaceutical exports have increased at an annual rate of 8% and amounted to $27 billion in 2023. With the development of the TVS Shigella combination vaccine by Zydus Lifesciences Limited, India is expected to enhance its global dominance in pharmaceutical production, and sustain its position as the “pharmacy of the world”.

As of March 5, 2025, at 11:22 AM, Zydus Lifesciences share price was ₹879.10. 

Conclusion

Zydus Lifesciences’ development of the TVS Shigella combination vaccine could revolutionise global health by addressing deadly enteric diseases, particularly for children under 5. Backed by the Gates Foundation, this innovation not only strengthens India’s pharma industry but also aids in affordable and sustainable childhood immunisation programs worldwide.

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