IIT Bhubaneswar & ILS Transfer Next-Gen TB Vaccine Technology To TechInvention
Bhubaneswar, India – In a significant advancement in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), a quadripartite license agreement (QLA) was signed for the technology transfer and future commercialization of a novel TB vaccine candidate. This candidate, known as the ‘HSP Subunit Vaccine in Adjuvant (DDA) Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis’, represents a collaborative effort between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) Bhubaneswar, and the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), in partnership with TechInvention Lifecare Limited.
Signing Ceremony
The landmark agreement was formalized at the ILS Bhubaneswar, attended by senior dignitaries including:
- Dr. Debasis Dash, Director of ILS
- Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar
- Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean of Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy at IIT Bhubaneswar
- Dr. BK Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head of Outreach Offices at NRDC
- Syed S Ahmed, Director & CEO of TechInvention Lifecare Limited
- Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav, Scientist at ILS Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Ashis Biswas, Professor at IIT Bhubaneswar School of Basic Sciences
Significance of the HSP Subunit Vaccine
The HSP Subunit Vaccine candidate is a significant milestone in India’s ongoing efforts to combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium responsible for TB. This partnership aims to ensure that the vaccine candidate progresses efficiently from research phases to product development, validation, and eventual commercialization. This initiative is a part of India’s broader mission to eliminate tuberculosis and highlights the transformative potential of indigenous, research-driven healthcare innovations for both national and global health.
Global Context of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), TB claimed approximately 1.23 million lives in 2024 alone. The disease is recognized as a key global health priority under the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to end the TB epidemic by the year 2030.
Limitations of Current Vaccines
The existing Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which was developed over a century ago, offers limited protection, particularly to infants. To address this gap, the next-generation HSP Subunit Vaccine has been developed through collaborative research led by:
- Prof. Ashis Biswas from IIT Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav from ILS Bhubaneswar
Mechanism of the HSP Subunit Vaccine
The latest vaccine candidate is designed to elicit robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. It aims to enhance the protective efficacy of the existing BCG vaccine, thereby providing a more comprehensive defense against TB, particularly in adolescents and adults who are at higher risk of developing pulmonary TB.
Future Directions
The collaboration between IIT Bhubaneswar, ILS, NRDC, and TechInvention Lifecare Limited is expected to pave the way for rapid advancements in the field of TB vaccination. The successful commercialization of the HSP Subunit Vaccine could lead to:
- Increased availability of effective TB vaccines
- Reduction in TB incidence and mortality rates
- Enhanced public health outcomes both in India and globally
Conclusion
The signing of this quadripartite license agreement marks a pivotal moment in the fight against tuberculosis. With the collaborative efforts of esteemed institutions and organizations, the HSP Subunit Vaccine has the potential to revolutionize TB prevention strategies and contribute significantly to global health initiatives aimed at eradicating this deadly disease.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates available as of November 25, 2025.
