Freeze-Dried BCG Vaccine for Percutaneous Use

The Freeze-Dried BCG Vaccine for Percutaneous Use is a live attenuated vaccine derived from the *Mycobacterium bovis* Tokyo 172 strain. Developed and manufactured by Japan BCG Laboratory, it has been the primary vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) immunization in Japan since 1952. The vaccine works by inducing a host cellular immune response against antigens of *Mycobacterium tuberculosis*, providing significant protection (over 80%) against severe forms of childhood tuberculosis, such as tuberculous meningitis and miliary TB. It is uniquely administered percutaneously using a multiple puncture method involving a plastic cylinder with nine fine needles applied to two locations on the upper arm. The Tokyo 172 strain is recognized as an International Reference Strain by the World Health Organization.

Brand names

Freeze-Dried BCG Vaccine for Percutaneous Use

Other names

BCG Tokyo 172Tokyo 172 strainTokyo172 strainTokyo-172 strainBCG vaccine-Japan BCG LaboratoryBCG vaccine (percutaneous)