Biological E partners with China’s Recbio to manufacture HPV9 vaccine for India, global markets

The HPV9 vaccine, designed to protect against nine HPV types linked to cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts, is currently in Phase III clinical trials in China.

Biological E. Limited (BE), one of India’s leading vaccine manufacturers, has entered into a strategic licensing agreement with Jiangsu Recbio Technology Co Ltd to produce and commercialise Recbio’s 9-valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV9) vaccine, REC603, in India and select global markets.

Under the terms of the deal, Recbio will transfer the technology and supply the drug substance (DS) to BE, enabling the Indian firm to formulate, fill, and package the vaccine. BE will also receive exclusive commercialisation rights for India and will participate in international tenders issued by UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

“This alliance reflects our mission to make essential vaccines accessible and affordable,” said Mahima Datla, Managing Director of BE. “We are proud to bring this innovative HPV9 vaccine to India and global markets at a time when cervical cancer prevention is more urgent than ever.”

The vaccine

The HPV9 vaccine, designed to protect against nine HPV types linked to cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts, is currently in Phase III clinical trials in China. Cervical cancer remains the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women globally, with HPV responsible for over 690,000 cancer cases annually.

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for Recbio’s international expansion and for BE’s commitment to global health,” said Dr Liu Yong, Founder and CEO of Recbio. “Together, we aim to accelerate the launch of this life-saving vaccine in India and beyond.”

BE, which supplies vaccines to over 140 countries and holds 10 WHO prequalified vaccines and 10 USFDA-approved injectables, will begin large-scale manufacturing once the technology transfer is complete. The collaboration is expected to boost access to affordable HPV prevention in low- and middle-income countries.

The partnership underscores growing cross-border collaborations in vaccine innovation and manufacturing, especially in the wake of rising global demand for cancer prevention solutions.