IIT Bhubaneswar and ILS Transfer Novel TB Vaccine Technology to TechInvention Lifecare
Published on: 25 Nov 2025
Introduction
In a significant advancement in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, have successfully transferred a novel TB vaccine technology to TechInvention Lifecare Limited. This transfer was facilitated through a Quadripartite License Agreement (QLA) coordinated by the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC).
Background on Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming approximately 1.23 million lives in 2024 alone, according to estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO). The current standard vaccine, the Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG), has been in use for over a century but has shown limited effectiveness, particularly among adolescents and adults. This has necessitated the development of more effective vaccine candidates.
The New Vaccine Technology
The newly developed vaccine candidate is known as the “HSP Subunit Vaccine in Adjuvant (DDA) Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.” This innovative vaccine aims to address the limitations of the BCG vaccine by generating robust humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. The primary goal is to enhance the protective efficacy of the existing BCG vaccine, particularly in populations where it has proven less effective.
Key Contributors
The technology has been collaboratively developed by:
- Prof. Ashis Biswas, IIT Bhubaneswar
- Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav, ILS Bhubaneswar
Their joint efforts reflect a commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation in the field of infectious diseases.
Role of NRDC
The National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) played a crucial role in this technology transfer. NRDC identified and evaluated the innovative vaccine technology and facilitated the licensing process, which is essential for accelerating its path toward commercialization. This proactive approach underscores NRDC’s mission to support research and development in India.
Ceremony and Key Officials
The technology exchange ceremony took place at ILS Bhubaneswar and was attended by several senior officials, including:
- Dr. Debasis Dash, Director of ILS
- Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director of IIT Bhubaneswar
- Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean of Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy, IIT Bhubaneswar
- Dr. B. K. Sahu, Senior Regional Manager, NRDC
- Syed S. Ahmed, Director & CEO, TechInvention Lifecare
- Prof. Ashis Biswas
- Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav
This gathering of esteemed professionals highlights the collaborative spirit and commitment to public health innovation in India.
Future Prospects
TechInvention Lifecare Limited, as the licensed industry partner, is set to lead the transition of this vaccine technology from the research stage to product development. With its expertise in vaccine development, manufacturing, and navigating regulatory processes, the company is expected to play a pivotal role in ensuring that the vaccine candidate progresses efficiently through the development pipeline.
Impact on Public Health
The transfer of this novel TB vaccine technology represents a significant milestone in India’s scientific efforts to combat Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It underscores the strength of the country’s research ecosystem and its dedication to addressing major public health challenges through indigenous innovation. The collaboration between IIT Bhubaneswar, ILS, and TechInvention Lifecare demonstrates the potential of research-driven healthcare innovation to deliver impactful solutions at both national and global levels.
Conclusion
The partnership formed through this licensing agreement strengthens India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis and showcases the importance of collaborative efforts in healthcare innovation. As the world continues to grapple with infectious diseases, advancements like the HSP Subunit Vaccine provide hope for more effective interventions and improved health outcomes.
Note: This article is based on information available as of November 2025 and is intended for informational purposes only.
