The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in partnership with Indian Immunologicals, has advanced an indigenous vaccine candidate for Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD), commonly known as monkey fever, into Phase I human clinical trials. The move marks an important step in strengthening India’s response to the tick-borne viral infection, which is endemic to forested regions of the Western Ghats.

The vaccine candidate is an inactivated, adjuvanted formulation developed following requests from state health authorities in affected regions. Preclinical development, including safety and toxicity evaluations, has been completed, enabling the transition to first-in-human testing.

Phase I trials will primarily evaluate the vaccine’s safety, tolerability, and immune response in healthy volunteers. Positive findings would pave the way for larger trials aimed at confirming effectiveness and optimal dosing. Regulatory oversight will guide the next stages of development based on trial outcomes.

Kyasanur Forest Disease is transmitted through infected ticks and can cause high fever, severe body pain, and other complications. Seasonal outbreaks continue to pose a public health challenge in endemic areas, highlighting the need for improved preventive tools.

Researchers say the initiation of clinical testing reflects progress toward a locally developed vaccine that could enhance disease control efforts and reduce the burden of infections in vulnerable communities.