On March 4, 2025, Zydus Lifesciences Limited, an innovation-driven global leader in healthcare, announced its collaboration with the Gates Foundation to develop the world’s first combination vaccine for the dual protection of shigellosis and typhoid fever in infants and children. This groundbreaking vaccine, developed for the first time globally, demonstrates India’s strong capabilities in medical research and positions Zydus at the forefront of global health innovation. The vaccine aims to combat two highly dangerous enteric diseases that continue to burden children, particularly in regions where both diseases are endemic.

A Major Step Towards Global Health Solutions

The combination vaccine aims to offer protection against shigellosis, a diarrhoeal disease caused by the Shigella bacteria, and typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella bacteria. Both diseases are widespread in developing countries, leading to thousands of deaths annually. This novel vaccine, combining ZyVac™ TCV, Zydus’ WHO-prequalified Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine, with a Shigella Vaccine, represents a major milestone in global health.

This collaboration between Zydus and the Gates Foundation marks an essential step in combating enteric diseases, which continue to affect millions of children worldwide. Shigella and typhoid fever are leading causes of diarrhoea-related deaths, with Shigella alone responsible for about 212,000 deaths globally. This initiative also aims to address the increasing burden on childhood vaccination schedules, which are becoming more crowded, expensive, and unsustainable.

The Role of Zydus Lifesciences in Vaccine Innovation

Zydus, a pioneering lifesciences company, is known for its affordable and innovative vaccines. The company has a history of introducing impactful vaccines for global public health and has been at the forefront of developing solutions for unmet health needs. Its ZyVac™ TCV, already prequalified by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a crucial part of the new combination vaccine.

The new combination vaccine will initially undergo early-stage development, animal immunogenicity studies, and regulatory preclinical toxicology studies. The research and development (R&D) phase is slated to begin in March 2025. Zydus aims to work closely with its partners to ensure the efficacy and safety of the vaccine in real-world settings.

Vaccination: A Proven Tool for Disease Control

Vaccination is one of the most effective methods for preventing and controlling infectious diseases. In the case of shigellosis and typhoid fever, vaccines can significantly reduce the number of infections and prevent deaths, especially in regions with high rates of these diseases. The new combination vaccine will target children under the age of 5, a group that is particularly vulnerable to these diseases.

Currently, typhoid fever is prevalent in many countries, and various endemic nations have included Typhoid Conjugate Vaccines (TCV) as part of their national immunization plans. The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) has approved a learning agenda for Shigella to develop effective vaccines from 2026 to 2030, further emphasizing the importance of combating both of these diseases globally.

Collaboration with the Gates Foundation

The Gates Foundation has been instrumental in supporting the development of affordable vaccines for global health. Its collaboration with Zydus is a testament to its commitment to saving children's lives through innovative medical solutions. Sh. M Hari Menon, the Country Director of the Gates Foundation, expressed excitement about the initiative, stating that this partnership would leverage India’s science and innovation expertise to help protect children not just in India but across the world.

This partnership between Zydus and the Gates Foundation further highlights the global significance of India’s lifesciences sector and its increasing involvement in worldwide vaccine development. By combining resources and expertise, both organizations aim to provide a sustainable and affordable solution to tackle diseases like shigellosis and typhoid fever, which continue to ravage vulnerable populations.

Global Significance of Typhoid and Shigella Vaccination

Both Typhoid and Shigella are diseases of global concern. Typhoid fever causes an estimated 11-21 million cases and 135,000–230,000 deaths annually. Similarly, Shigella remains one of the leading bacterial causes of diarrhoea-related mortality, responsible for around 212,000 deaths globally. These diseases continue to strain healthcare systems in developing nations, with their burden being particularly heavy on children.

The new combination vaccine, if successful, could provide a comprehensive solution to these persistent problems. By combining Shigella and Typhoid vaccines into a single immunization shot, this initiative aims to reduce costs, simplify vaccine schedules, and improve accessibility for children in low-resource settings.

Zydus Lifesciences: Leading the Way in Lifesciences Innovation

Zydus Lifesciences, with its extensive portfolio of healthcare products, is committed to transforming global health through innovative research, affordable solutions, and cutting-edge technologies. The company’s mission is to unlock new possibilities in lifesciences by addressing critical gaps in healthcare with high-quality vaccines and medicines.

The partnership with the Gates Foundation further strengthens Zydus’ global standing as a leader in vaccine development. With over 27,000 employees, including 1,400 scientists in its R&D division, Zydus is poised to bring transformative healthcare solutions to the world.

This initiative underscores Zydus’ growing role in shaping the future of global health. The combination vaccine for shigellosis and typhoid fever is not only a significant medical development but also a reminder of the power of collaboration and innovation in tackling some of the most pressing health challenges faced by children around the world.

As the project progresses, Zydus Lifesciences will continue to work towards creating a lasting impact in the field of global public health, improving the lives of millions of children and families across the world.

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