In a significant stride toward public health advancement, King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam has commenced phase III trials for an oral cholera vaccine named ‘Hillchol’, developed by the Hyderabad-based biotech giant Bharat Biotech.

KGH is among ten leading medical centers across India selected to conduct the advanced-stage trials of Hillchol, which is designed to provide long-term immunity against cholera—a waterborne disease that continues to pose a risk in densely populated and low-sanitation areas.

Preliminary data from the trial has shown encouraging immune responses, indicating strong potential for large-scale vaccination in the near future. According to health officials, the vaccine is being tested on volunteers under strict ethical guidelines and clinical protocols.

 

Dr. S. Murthy, the chief medical officer at KGH, stated, “The trial’s outcomes so far are promising. If successful, Hillchol will be a game-changer in preventing cholera outbreaks, especially during monsoon seasons in coastal regions like Visakhapatnam.”

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cholera infects millions globally each year, leading to significant mortality in developing countries. With India still experiencing periodic outbreaks, the availability of an effective, affordable, and easily administrable oral vaccine could drastically reduce the burden.

Bharat Biotech, known for its innovations like Covaxin during the COVID-19 pandemic, is leading this initiative with a vision to eliminate cholera through preventive immunization.

The local administration and the Andhra Pradesh health department have lauded the efforts of KGH in supporting vaccine innovation and contributing to global health.