GUWAHATI: The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) is taking steps to develop a vaccine against the H5N1 bird flu virus, a strain that, while rare in humans, carries severe risk. The ICMR, India's leading health research agency, has announced it possesses strains of the virus at the National Institute of Virology in Pune and is seeking partnerships with private companies to bring the vaccine to fruition.
ALSO READ: Massive Gridlock On 9 Mile-Khanapara Stretch In Guwahati Brings Traffic To A Standstill
The ICMR released an Expression of Interest recently stating that the chosen firm will have the rights to "undertake further development, manufacture, sell and commercialise the technology/product."
H5N1 avian influenza is a highly pathogenic strain of bird flu. Outbreaks have occurred in several Indian states in 2021, 2023, and 2024, primarily impacting poultry and wild birds. These outbreaks have caused substantial losses in the poultry industry and sparked public health concerns due to the virus's potential to infect humans, often with severe consequences.
"H5N1 infection in humans has a high case fatality rate, exceeding 50%," the ICMR warned. "Although human cases are rare and typically result from direct contact with infected birds, the severity of illness underscores the need for vigilance. Symptoms can range from fever and respiratory distress to multi-organ failure."
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also addressing the issue, working on a project to accelerate the development and accessibility of H5N1 messenger RNA vaccine candidates for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries.
