Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine
Why in news?
ICMR initiates Phase I trials for improved KFD vaccine. In early February 2026, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced the start of human clinical trials for a new indigenous two-dose adjuvanted inactivated vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), developed with Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and ICMR-National Institute of Virology (NIV).
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also known as "monkey fever," is a tick-borne viral haemorrhagic fever endemic to the Western Ghats region of India (Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra). It is caused by the Kyasanur Forest Disease virus (KFDV), transmitted mainly by Haemaphysalis spinigera ticks.
Vaccine Development
- Type: Fully indigenous, two-dose, adjuvanted inactivated vaccine.
- Developers: Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) in collaboration with ICMR–National Institute of Virology (NIV).
- Schedule: Two doses administered 28 days apart.
- Booster: Since immunity is short-lived, a booster dose is recommended 6–9 months later.
- Trials: Animal and toxicity studies completed; Phase I human clinical trials have begun after approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO).
- Goal: To provide reliable protection for vulnerable populations in forest-edge communities of the Western Ghats.
Key Considerations
- No human-to-human transmission of KFD.
- Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, muscle pain, sometimes neurological complications or fatal outcomes.
- Risk groups: Forest workers, farmers, and residents near forested areas are most vulnerable.
- Challenge: Previous vaccines had limited effectiveness and required frequent boosters, prompting the push for this improved version.
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