IIT, ILS Bhubaneswar Boost India’s Fight Against Tuberculosis
Bhubaneswar: A new ray of hope has emerged in India’s fight against Tuberculosis (TB), thanks to the scientists at the BRIC-Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) who have developed a next-generation vaccine that has shown strong protection in initial studies. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar has provided full technical support for this project.
The Need for a New Vaccine
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases. In 2024 alone, TB claimed 1.23 million lives globally, highlighting the urgent need for effective preventive measures. While the Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine, developed over a century ago, provides limited protection primarily to infants, it is largely ineffective in preventing pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults.
Development of the HSP 16.3DC4 Vaccine
To address this gap, a next-generation HSP Subunit Vaccine has been developed through collaborative research led by Professor Ashis Biswas of IIT Bhubaneswar and Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav of ILS, Bhubaneswar. This vaccine candidate is designed to trigger strong humoral and cell-mediated immune responses while enhancing the protective efficacy of the existing BCG vaccine.
Research Timeline
The development of this vaccine took nearly 12 years, with approximately 5-7 years spent testing in mice. The earlier testing phase alone took two years. The vaccine has shown success in animal studies, demonstrating the ability to boost protection against TB bacteria.
Technology Transfer and Commercialization
In recognition of its significant public health potential, the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) proactively identified and evaluated this technology, facilitating the licensing process to ensure its advancement. The formula and technology have been transferred to a vaccine manufacturing institute, allowing pharmaceutical companies to begin developing the vaccine for human use.
License Agreement
IIT Bhubaneswar and ILS, in conjunction with NRDC, have signed a Quadripartite License Agreement (QLA) with Techinvention Lifecare Limited for the technology transfer and future commercialization of the novel TB vaccine candidate titled ‘HSP Subunit Vaccine in Adjuvant (DDA) Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis’. This agreement includes milestone payments ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs six crore, along with a four percent royalty on market sales.
Significance of the New Vaccine
During the Technology Transfer Ceremony, ILS Director Dr. Debasis Dash hailed the development as a “momentous occasion when science gets translated from bench to bedside.” He emphasized the years of collaboration and trust required to convert scientific research into technology, expressing gratitude to Techinvention for their commitment to advancing the project.
Mechanism of Action
Scientists at ILS claim that the new vaccine is more effective than BCG because it keeps both T-cell memory and B-cell memory continuously active. This enhances the body’s ability to fight TB bacteria over a longer period. The vaccine strengthens both cellular and humoral immune responses, which may particularly benefit younger age groups, providing them with longer-lasting immunity.
Current TB Burden in Odisha
India aims to become TB-free by 2025, and Odisha is a crucial part of this national mission. The state’s TB cell is actively working towards early detection and treatment. Despite ongoing campaigns, TB numbers remain high, and malnutrition continues to drive infections. Last year, 62,000 TB patients were identified in Odisha, and during a recent 100-day special campaign, 12,245 new patients were detected.
Government Initiatives
The state government provides free diagnosis, high-quality medicines, sputum testing, X-ray facilities, and molecular testing across health centers. Additionally, all TB patients being treated under the NPY scheme receive Rs 500 per month through direct bank transfer until their treatment is completed.
District-wise TB Situation
According to the Health Department, TB incidence has fallen by 18 percent since 2015, and TB deaths have dropped by 22 percent by 2023. The highest number of TB patients reported in 2024 were from the following districts:
- Ganjam – 4,172 patients
- Mayurbhanj – 3,906 patients
- Cuttack – 1,661 patients
- Sundargarh – 1,914 patients
- Keonjhar – 2,330 patients
- Balangir – 1,211 patients
- Rayagada – 1,167 patients
- Kalahandi – 1,100 patients
In total, the Health Ministry has identified 24,430 TB patients across these 19 districts.
Future Prospects
Researchers have indicated that the new vaccine has significantly reduced bacterial load in the lungs during studies and has enhanced the immunity triggered by BCG when both are used together. If cleared through future clinical trials, ‘HSP 16.3DC4’ could become a crucial tool in India’s push to eliminate Tuberculosis.
Conclusion
The development of the next-generation TB vaccine represents a significant milestone in public health efforts to combat a disease that has plagued humanity for centuries. With collaborative efforts from institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar and ILS, along with support from the NRDC, the fight against TB is poised to enter a new era of hope and efficacy.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on a report published on November 25, 2025, and reflects the latest developments in TB vaccine research and public health initiatives in India.
