India’s first indigenous human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, Cervavac, has received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO), making it eligible for procurement by United Nations agencies. Developed by the Serum Institute of India, the vaccine is gender-neutral and can be administered to both girls and boys aged 9 to 26 years. Cervavac targets four HPV types: 6, 11, 16, and 18. HPV types 6 and 11 are considered low-risk and are primarily associated with genital warts, while types 16 and 18 are high-risk strains linked to several cancers.

In women, the vaccine helps prevent cervical, vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers. In men, it helps prevent anal cancer associated with HPV types 16 and 18. The Drugs Controller General of India had previously approved Cervavac for use in the country. The WHO prequalification marks an additional regulatory milestone, allowing the vaccine…