The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in collaboration with the Pune-based National Institute of Virology (NIV) and other research institutions, is set to commence phase-3 clinical trials for a recombinant dengue vaccine, announced Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra. This statement was made during the BRICS Health Ministers’ Meeting, held alongside the 77th World Health Assembly (WHA) of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva.
Chandra highlighted India’s active participation in BRICS health initiatives, underscoring efforts to strengthen health systems across BRICS nations. He noted that the BRICS Vaccine Research and Development Centre was virtually launched during India’s presidency in March 2022.
As reported by The Statesman, the Health Secretary emphasized India’s commitment to collaborative health projects, mentioning that the phase-3 trials of the recombinant dengue vaccine would be a significant step forward. Additionally, ICMR and its partners plan to conduct research and trials for other locally endemic diseases such as Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), Nipah virus, Human Papillomavirus, MTBVAC (Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Vaccine), and influenza.
Chandra also addressed India’s national action plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which aligns with the WHO’s Global Action Plan on AMR, advocating for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations to tackle this global issue.
He further stressed the importance of advancing collaboration within BRICS countries in nuclear medicine and radio-pharmaceutical science. India aims to bolster the radio-pharmaceutical supply chain, enhance isotope production, and promote the development and commercialization of advanced digital solutions.
Chandra called for increased collaboration among BRICS member states to address various health challenges effectively.