India, Oct. 6 -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified Cervavac, India's first indigenously developed gender-neutral quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus vaccine (qHPV) developed by Serum Institute of India (SII), the Pune-based firm announced on Monday.

The regulatory milestone marks the 32nd WHO prequalification for products/biologicals received by SII. Inclusion on the WHO List of Prequalified Vaccines allows Cervavac to be procured by United Nations (UN) agencies. The vaccine targets HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. It is indicated for girls and boys aged nine through 26 years.

Adar Poonawalla, chief executive officer, SII, said, "WHO prequalification of CERVAVAC(R) is an important step in strengthening the global response to...