UN approves updated cholera vaccine

The World Health Organization has approved a version of a widely used cholera vaccine that could help address a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine stockpile and left poorer countries scrambling to contain epidemics. WHO authorized the vaccine, made by Eubiologics, which also makes the formulation now used, last week. The new version, called Euvichol-s, is a simplified formula that uses fewer ingredients, is cheaper, and can be made more quickly than the old version. The vaccine was shown to be help preventing the diarrheal disease in late stage research conducted in Nepal. WHO'S approval means donor agencies like the vaccines alliance Gavi and UNICEF can now buy it for poorer countries. Leila Pakkala, director of UNICEF'S supply division, said in a statement that the agency will be able to boost supplies by more than 25%. Gavi estimated there could be about 50 million doses for the global stockpile this year, compared with 38 million last year. Dr. Derrick Sim of Gavi called WHO'S authorization "a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world." Since January, 14 countries affected by cholera outbreaks have requested 79 million doses. In January, the U.N. agency said the global vaccine stockpile was "entirely depleted" until the beginning of March. As of this week, WHO said there were 2.3 million doses available.