IIT Bhubaneswar, ILS Transfer Novel TB Vaccine Technology to TechInvention
Bhubaneswar: In a significant advancement in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, have collaborated with the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to sign a Quadripartite License Agreement with TechInvention Lifecare Limited. This agreement facilitates the technology transfer and future commercialization of a novel TB vaccine candidate titled “HSP Subunit Vaccine in Adjuvant (DDA) Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.”
The Global Challenge 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. Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is a key global health priority under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Despite efforts, the world still relies heavily on the Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which was developed over a century ago. This vaccine provides limited protection, primarily to infants, and is largely ineffective in preventing pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults.
Innovative Vaccine Development
The next-generation HSP Subunit Vaccine has been developed through collaborative research led by:
- Prof. Ashis Biswas of IIT Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav of ILS Bhubaneswar
This innovative vaccine candidate is designed to trigger robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. It aims to enhance the protective efficacy of the existing BCG vaccine, addressing a critical gap in TB prevention.
Role of the National Research Development Corporation
Recognizing the significant public health potential of this vaccine, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) took proactive measures to identify and evaluate the technology. The NRDC played a crucial role in facilitating the licensing process, ensuring that the vaccine technology advances towards practical application.
Technology Exchange Ceremony
The technology exchange took place at ILS Bhubaneswar, attended by several senior dignitaries, including:
- Dr. Debasis Dash, Director, ILS
- Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar
- Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), IIT Bhubaneswar
- Dr. B. K. Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head – Outreach Offices, NRDC
- Syed S. Ahmed, Director & CEO, TechInvention Lifecare Limited
- Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav, Scientist F, ILS Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Ashis Biswas, Professor, School of Basic Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar
Future Prospects with TechInvention Lifecare Limited
As the licensed industry partner, TechInvention Lifecare Limited will play a pivotal role in translating this indigenous vaccine technology into a viable public health solution. This partnership is designed to ensure that the jointly developed vaccine candidate efficiently progresses from research to product development, validation, and eventual commercialization.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIT Bhubaneswar, ILS, NRDC, and TechInvention Lifecare Limited marks a significant step forward in the battle against tuberculosis. With the development of a next-generation vaccine, there is hope for more effective prevention strategies that could save countless lives and contribute to the global goal of eradicating TB by 2030.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates and developments in the field of tuberculosis vaccine research and technology transfer.
