IIT-BBS & ILS Hand New TB Vaccine Tech to TechInvention
In a significant advancement in public health, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) have collaborated with the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to transfer a novel tuberculosis (TB) vaccine technology to TechInvention Lifecare Limited. This partnership aims to commercialize a next-generation vaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB.
The Urgency of Tuberculosis Vaccination
Tuberculosis remains one of the deadliest infectious diseases globally, claiming approximately 1.23 million lives in 2024 alone. Despite the existence of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which has been the only vaccine available against TB, the need for more effective solutions is critical. The new vaccine developed by IIT-BBS and ILS promises to enhance the protective efficacy of the BCG vaccine, potentially saving countless lives.
Details of the Quadripartite License Agreement
On November 25, 2025, a quadripartite license agreement (QLA) was signed between IIT-BBS, ILS, NRDC, and TechInvention. This agreement marks a pivotal step in the technology transfer process, facilitating the commercialization of the vaccine. The collaboration underscores the importance of research-driven healthcare innovations in addressing public health challenges.
Development of the Vaccine
The novel vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine developed through a collaborative effort led by Professor Ashis Biswas from IIT-BBS and Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav from ILS-BBS. The vaccine has been designed to trigger robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses, which are essential for effective immunity against TB. The development process included:
- Initial Development: The protein component of the vaccine was first developed in the laboratory at IIT-BBS.
- Preclinical Trials: Following its development, the vaccine underwent preclinical trials on mouse models at ILS to test its efficacy levels.
- Booster Functionality: The new vaccine is intended to be administered after the BCG vaccine, acting as a booster dose to enhance immune response.
Significance of the Partnership with TechInvention
TechInvention, the licensed industry partner, is expected to leverage its expertise in vaccine development and regulatory processes to bring the indigenous vaccine technology to market. The company aims to complete phase-I and II clinical trials within the next four to five years. This timeline is crucial for ensuring that the vaccine can be validated and made available to the public as quickly as possible.
Statements from Key Figures
Professor Ashis Biswas emphasized the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “This protein subunit vaccine was developed as part of a joint collaboration. The new vaccine, if administered after BCG, will act as a booster dose with higher efficiency.”
Debasis Dash, the director of ILS, highlighted the broader implications of this partnership, saying, “This partnership ensures that the jointly developed vaccine candidate advances efficiently from research to product development, validation, and eventual commercialization. It strengthens India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis and underscores the transformative potential of indigenous, research-driven healthcare innovations for national and global health.”
The Path Forward
The successful commercialization of this new TB vaccine could have far-reaching implications for public health, particularly in countries where TB remains a significant threat. The collaboration between IIT-BBS, ILS, NRDC, and TechInvention represents a model for how academic institutions and industry can work together to address urgent health challenges.
Conclusion
As the world continues to grapple with infectious diseases, the development of new vaccines is more important than ever. The collaboration between IIT-BBS, ILS, NRDC, and TechInvention signifies a promising step toward addressing the global TB epidemic. With continued support and commitment, this innovative vaccine could play a crucial role in reducing the burden of tuberculosis and improving public health outcomes worldwide.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest available data and developments as of November 2025.
