Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment · 10 February 2026
ICMR–NIV and Indian Immunologicals Limited advance indigenous two-dose KFD vaccine into Phase I trial
Exam-focused facts from the 10 February 2026 current affairs briefing.
Key facts
- Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), also termed monkey fever, is endemic to Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) initiated next-generation vaccine development on request of Government of Karnataka.
- The project partners are Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and ICMR–National Institute of Virology (NIV).
- The vaccine is a fully indigenous, adjuvanted, inactivated two-dose regimen given 28 days apart.
- Preclinical milestones completed include animal challenge studies, toxicity studies, and manufacture of GLP-grade material.
- Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has approved Phase I human clinical trial now underway.