India-made cervical cancer vaccine Ceravac to cost Rs 200-400 per dose

Serum India's product made in collaboration with state-run biotechnology department, expected to bring down prices

Ceravac, an indigenously developed vaccine for cervical cancer caused by the human-papillomavirus (HPV), will be priced between Rs 200-400 per dose and available in a few months, said manufacturer Serum Institute of India on Thursday.

“Initially, the vaccine will be supplied to the government programme and then from next year onwards, some private partners may also be involved,” said Serum India CEO Adar Poonawalla. The vaccine is given as a two-dose or three-dose regimen depending on age.

Two HPV vaccines are available in the private market presently, both made by foreign companies: Gardasil by Merck and Cervarix by Glaxo Smithkline.