Tue Oct 07 09:22:43 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

Hyderabad-based GCBC Vaccines (formerly Shantha Biotechnics) has received WHO prequalification for its oral cholera vaccine, Shanchol. This allows global procurement agencies to source the vaccine for use in countries struggling with cholera outbreaks. Shanchol is the only oral cholera vaccine made in India with WHO prequalification. The vaccine was originally developed by Shantha Biotechnics, acquired by Sanofi, and manufacturing paused. GCBC Vaccines resumed production after acquiring Shantha’s facilities, following a WHO inspection. The company aims to ensure a reliable and affordable supply of the vaccine and continue developing other affordable vaccines.

**News Article:**

**Hyderabad’s GCBC Vaccines Secures WHO Prequalification for Cholera Vaccine, Shanchol**

**HYDERABAD, INDIA – October 7, 2025** – In a significant boost to global health efforts, GCBC Vaccines, formerly Shantha Biotechnics, announced today that its oral cholera vaccine, Shanchol, has received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification. This crucial certification opens the door for global procurement agencies like UNICEF, Gavi, and PAHO to source Shanchol for use in countries facing severe cholera outbreaks.

Shanchol, developed in India, is the only oral cholera vaccine manufactured in the country with WHO prequalification. The vaccine’s journey has seen twists and turns. Originally developed by Shantha Biotechnics, the company was acquired by Sanofi in 2009. Production was later paused but revived after GCBC Vaccines, part of the Gland Family Office, acquired Shantha’s manufacturing facilities in Medchal and Muppireddypally in April 2024.

“By resuming production of Shanchol, we are bringing the same rigour and reliability to ensure this life-saving vaccine remains available worldwide,” said Ravi Penmetsa, Managing Director of GCBC Vaccines. Over 40 million doses of Shanchol have already been administered globally through UNICEF-led campaigns.

The prequalification follows a rigorous on-site inspection by the WHO after GCBC Vaccines resumed manufacturing.

Shantha Biotechnics founder, K.I. Varaprasad Reddy, expressed his satisfaction, stating, “Shanchol was conceived as an affordable, accessible solution for countries facing repeated cholera outbreaks. The WHO prequalification of the vaccine carries forward that founding mission.”

GCBC Vaccines Executive Director Vishy Chebrol emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring the vaccine reaches those in need reliably and affordably. “At the same time, we are working to bring other affordable and innovative vaccines from our pipeline to global markets, continuing Shantha’s tradition of expanding access to life-saving immunization,” Chebrol said.

Shanchol is a bivalent killed whole-cell oral cholera vaccine effective against Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139. With the WHO prequalification, the vaccine is now poised to continue its critical role in meeting international demand and fulfilling country-level immunization needs.

Read More