DCGI nod to SII’s HPV jab for cervical cancer

Subject : Science and Technology

Section:Biotechnology

Concept:

CERVAVAC, the country’s first quadrivalent human papilloma virus vaccine (qHPV) manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII)
HPV is a common virus that is passed during sex. Long-lasting infection with certain types of HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer
In India, cervical cancer accounted for 9.4% of all cancers and 18.3% (123907) of new cases in 2020.
It is the second most common Cancer of women in India despite being largely preventable
A majority of cervical cancer related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries where routine gynaecological screening is minimal or is absent
The vaccine will ensure prevention of cancers caused by human papilloma virus (Type 6, 11, 16 and 18) vaccine recombinant
Cervical cancer can be eliminated if all prepubertal girls are given HPV vaccination globally,
The WHO has set Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy Targets for 2030, which entails 90% of girls should be fully vaccinated with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15, and 70% women should be screened with a high performance test by 35 years and again by 45 years of age

Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)

It is the head of department of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization
It is responsible for approval of licenses of specified categories of drugs such as blood and blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and sera in India.
Drugs Controller General of India, comes under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
DCGI also sets standards for manufacturing, sales, import, and distribution of drugs in India
DCGI will also act as Central Licensing Authority (CLA) for the medical devices which fall under the purview of the Medical Device Rules 2017