ICMR Advances Development of Improved Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine

On February 7, 2026, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) announced major progress in developing an improved vaccine against Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD). This disease affects several states in the Western Ghats region. The new vaccine, developed through indigenous research, reflects India’s growing capacity in disease prevention and regional health security.

Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine Progress

• The Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine is in progress as Indian Council of Medical Research has initiated Phase I human clinical trials for an improved version.
• The vaccine development comes under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• This step marks a significant milestone in India’s effort to control KFD, a tick-borne viral disease prevalent in forested regions of southern India.

What Is Kyasanur Forest Disease

• Kyasanur Forest Disease is a tick-borne viral infection mainly reported in the Western Ghats.
• States such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra are affected.
• The disease causes high fever, bleeding symptoms, and neurological complications in severe cases.
• Because KFD is region-specific and affects forest workers and rural populations, developing an effective Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine is crucial for targeted disease control.

Indigenous Vaccine Development by ICMR

• On the request of the Karnataka government, ICMR took up the responsibility of developing a new Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine.
• The project is being carried out in collaboration with Indian Immunologicals Limited and National Institute of Virology.
• The vaccine is a fully indigenous, two-dose, adjuvanted inactivated vaccine, administered 28 days apart, ensuring affordability and local availability.

Animal Studies and Safety Testing Completed

• The improved Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine has successfully cleared animal challenge studies and toxicity tests.
• These studies confirmed the vaccine’s safety and protective response.
• Following this, GLP-grade vaccine material was manufactured to meet regulatory standards.
• Completion of these pre-clinical stages paved the way for testing the vaccine in humans, marking a crucial transition from laboratory research to clinical application.

Phase I Clinical Trial and Regulatory Approval

• After pre-clinical success, the vaccine entered Phase I human clinical trials.
• This stage began after approval from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization.
• Phase I trials primarily assess safety and immune response in healthy volunteers.
• If successful, the Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine will move to further clinical phases to confirm efficacy and broader safety.

Next Steps in Kyasanur Forest Disease Vaccine Development

• If Phase I trials yield positive results, additional clinical trials will be conducted.
• Upon establishing safety and immunogenicity, final approval will be sought from CDSCO.
• The Government of India has reaffirmed its commitment to support state governments in addressing difficult and region-specific health challenges, especially those affecting rural and forest-dependent communities.

Static Background Of Various Bodies Mentioned Above

About ICMR

• Overview: Apex body in India for biomedical research; one of the oldest medical research organizations globally.
• History: Established in 1911 as Indian Research Fund Association; renamed ICMR in 1949 post-independence.
• Mandate: Formulate, coordinate, and promote medical research; translate innovations into public health solutions.
• Vision: Translating Research into Action for Improving the Health of the Population.
• Structure & Research: Governed by the Union Health Minister; 32 national research institutes/centres across India conduct mission-oriented research.

About Central Drugs Standard Control Organization.

• Overview: National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India for medical devices and drugs; operates under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• Leadership: Headed by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI); headquartered in New Delhi.
• Functions: Approves new drugs, conducts clinical trials, and sets drug standards.
• Quality Control: Oversees the quality of imported drugs and coordinates with State Drug Control Organizations.
• Licensing Role: Jointly grants licenses for critical drugs like blood products, IV fluids, vaccines, and sera with state regulators.

About National Institute of Virology (NIV)

• Overview: Major institute under ICMR; WHO Collaborating Centre for arboviruses and hemorrhagic fever research.
• History: Established in 1952 as Virus Research Centre (VRC) with Rockefeller Foundation; renamed NIV in 1978.
• Research Focus: Studies viral diseases and epidemics including Kyasanur Forest Disease, Japanese encephalitis, and Chandipura virus.
• Role in Public Health: Investigates and manages disease outbreaks in India.
• Significance: Key national center for virology research, reference, and epidemic response.

About Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL)

• Overview: Subsidiary of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), based in Hyderabad; established in 1982.
• Industry & Focus: Biotechnology company specializing in human and veterinary vaccines.
• Key Products: Vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease, rabies, hepatitis, measles, MMR, DPT, and other bacterial/viral diseases.
• Role in Public Health: Major supplier to India’s Universal Immunization Programme (DPT, TT, hepatitis B).
• Facilities: Three manufacturing sites Gachibowli (vaccines), Karakapatla (animal & human vaccines), and Ooty (human anti-rabies vaccine “Abhayrab”).

Question

Q. Kyasanur Forest Disease mainly affects which region of India?

A. Indo-Gangetic plains
B. Western Ghats
C. North-East India
D. Deccan Plateau