Thiruvananthapuram based Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) has come up as a major scientific institution in the launch of India’s first indigenously developed vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer, Cervavax, the institution has facilitated strict tests in its laboratory to study and understand the efficacy of Cervavax.
“RGCB, as the scientific partner and stakeholder in this effort, has made significant contributions to the country’s determined efforts to eliminate cervical cancer… The RGCB laboratory for HPV testing facility is qualified as per international standards set by the WHO,” said RGCB director Chandrabhas Narayana.
It is estimated that cervical cancer affects close to 1.25 lakh women every year. More than 75,000 Indian women lose their lives due to the disease. More than 83 percent of invasive cervical cancers are caused due to HPV 16 and HPV 18 and about 70 percent of cases worldwide.
The development of affordable and cost-effective cancer vaccine such as Cervavaxwill play a key role in helping women in the country and globally.
