Shanchol

Shanchol is a killed bivalent whole-cell oral cholera vaccine (OCV) developed through a partnership between the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and Shantha Biotechnics (a subsidiary of Sanofi). The vaccine contains inactivated *Vibrio cholerae* O1 (including both Inaba and Ogawa serotypes and El Tor and Classical biotypes) and O139 serogroups. Unlike the older Dukoral vaccine, Shanchol does not include the recombinant cholera toxin B subunit, which simplifies its production and allows for administration without a buffer. It is administered orally in a two-dose regimen, typically spaced two weeks apart, and has been WHO-prequalified for use in endemic and epidemic settings. The vaccine works by inducing mucosal immunity, specifically secretory IgA, against the lipopolysaccharides and other surface antigens of the *V. cholerae* bacteria, thereby preventing colonization and toxin-mediated disease.

Brand names

Shanchol

Other names

killed bivalent whole cell oral cholera vaccineBivalent killed whole-cell oral cholera vaccineIVI oral cholera vaccineOCV