Bhubaneswar: 24h Nov2025( Pratyusha Bureau) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and theInstitute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar, along with the National Research DevelopmentCorporation (NRDC), have signed a Quadripartite License Agreement (QLA) with TechlnventionLifecare Limited for the technology transfer and future commercialization of a novel TB vaccinecandidate titled “HSP Subunit Vaccine in Adjuvant (DDA) Against Mycobacterium tuberculosis.”Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, claiming 1.23 millionlives in 2024 alone, as reported by the WHO. Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is a key global healthpriority under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the worldcontinues to rely on the Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine, developed over a century ago, whichprovides only limited protection mainly to infants and is largely ineffective in preventing pulmonaryTB in adolescents and adults. To address this critical unmet need, a next-generation HSP SubunitVaccine has been developed through collaborative research led by Prof. Ashis Biswas of IndianInstitute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar and Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav of Institute of Life Sciences(ILS), Bhubaneswar. This vaccine candidate is designed to trigger strong humoral and cell-mediatedimmune responses while enhancing the protective efficacy of the existing BCG vaccine. In view of itssignificant public health potential, National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) proactivelyidentified and evaluated this technology and facilitated the licensing process to ensure itsadvancement.The technology exchange was held at ILS Bhubaneswar in the presence of several seniordignitaries including Dr. Debasis Dash, Director, ILS; Prof. Shreepad Karmalkar, Director, IITBhubaneswar; Prof. Dinakar Pasla, Dean (Sponsored Research & Industrial Consultancy), IITBhubaneswar; Dr. B. K. Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head – Outreach Offices, NRDC; Syed S.Ahmed, Director & CEO, Techlnvention Lifecare Limited; Dr. Sunil Kumar Raghav, Scientist F, ILSBhubaneswar; Dr. Ashis Biswas, Professor, School of Basic Sciences, IIT Bhubaneswar, along withother distinguished guests.The HSP Subunit Vaccine candidate, jointly developed by the premier institutions ILS and IITBhubaneswar, represents a significant advancement in India’s efforts to combat Mycobacteriumtuberculosis. This collaboration reflects the robustness of India’s research ecosystem and itscommitment to addressing critical public health challenges.Techlnvention Lifecare Limited, the licensed industry partner, will play a key role in translatingthis indigenous vaccine technology into a viable public health solution. With strong expertise invaccine development, regulatory readiness, and global health innovation, TechlInvention brings deeptechnical strength and established manufacturing capabilities.This partnership ensures that the jointly developed vaccine candidate advances efficiently fromresearch to product development, validation, and eventual commercialization. It strengthens India’s mission to eliminate tuberculosis.
