AIC-CCMB Advances mRNA Vaccine Trials for Chikungunya in India

On July 15, 2025, the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC) at the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad announced its plans to proceed with larger-scale trials for an indigenously developed mRNA vaccine aimed at combating the Chikungunya virus. N. Madhusudhana Rao, CEO of AIC-CCMB, emphasized the urgency of developing a vaccine for Chikungunya, which he described as a "serious, major debilitating disease in India" that currently lacks an effective vaccine. The initiative builds on previous successes demonstrated through the application of mRNA technology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The AIC-CCMB's lab experiments on animal models have shown promising results, indicating that the vaccine candidate is capable of producing antibodies against Chikungunya proteins. The next phase of testing will involve infecting these animals with the Chikungunya virus to assess whether the vaccine reduces the viral load effectively. Rao further elaborated on the nature of mRNA vaccines, stating, "Vaccines work by preparing and training the immune system to identify disease-causing microorganisms and eliminate them quickly when the system encounters them. In mRNA technology, the host cell’s immune system is trained to evade the real infection by introducing mRNA of an important protein of the microorganism of concern into the host."

Despite the promising data, Rao expressed frustration over the slow uptake of their mRNA technology by both Indian firms and international collaborators. "There were a few firms that showed interest, but they never returned with concrete proposals. It is an accepted fact that firms spend millions to acquire licenses from abroad rather than invest in local technology," he said. This sentiment reflects a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry where foreign technology often receives preference over domestic innovations.

The mRNA technology employed by AIC-CCMB, similar to that used in successful COVID-19 vaccines like Comirnaty by Pfizer and Spikevax by Moderna, is regarded as chemically safe and carries no long-term challenges. The CEO confirmed that their vaccine is based on existing mRNA models and has passed through rigorous quality checks by third-party evaluators. Rao reiterated the potential for mRNA technology to expedite vaccine development not only for Chikungunya but also for other diseases, including tuberculosis (TB), for which initial trials have also been completed.

Looking ahead, AIC-CCMB is actively seeking funding options to support the next stages of animal trials and more comprehensive testing. The organization is keen to enter partnerships with various stakeholders to advance their vaccine candidates for both Chikungunya and TB. As the global health community continues to explore innovative vaccine solutions, the progress made by AIC-CCMB stands as a testament to India's growing capabilities in biotechnology and vaccine research. The outcome of these trials could have significant implications for public health, particularly in regions heavily impacted by Chikungunya and similar vector-borne diseases, highlighting the importance of local research initiatives in addressing global health challenges.