India’s New Plan To Fight Nipah Virus
ICMR launches A New Initiative For Nipah Virus Anti Body Production
New Delhi: India is about to take a new big step in its fight against the dangerous Nipah Virus! The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited Indian Pharma Companies to help in developing and producing an indigenous antibody treatment, so that the country no longer depends on imports during the pandemics.
What’s Making This Move Matter?
Nipah Virus is one of the most dangerous infections in the world. It is spread from animals, mainly from the bats and sometimes between the people itself.
The virus causes infections in the brain and respiratory infections and the fatality rate is between 40% – 70% which depends on how quickly the infection can be identified in the patients and be treated.
Since 2001, India has faced several Nipah Virus pandemics, most of them in Kerala and West Bengal. However, in 2025 alone, four confirmed cases were reported between April and July, including two deaths from Palakkad district.
The Goal: To Build India’s Own Cure For Nipah Virus
ICMR’s new call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) goal is to bring all the Indian manufacturers together to create an India’s Own antibody therapy.
ICMR said that the plan is not just about treating the patients but it’s about being prepared for the front head by building India’s own disease-fighting tools against Nipah Virus.
ICMR also stated that “The importance of having Monoclonal antibody stock ready in India cannot be overstated, given the high death rate and absence of vaccines, mAbs are the only feasible biomedical defense for now”.
How do these Antibodies work?
Monoclonal antibodies are made in labs, which are copies of the body’s natural infection fighters(antibodies). These antibodies can kill the virus right after getting exposed to it, so that the infection caused by Nipah Virus can be prevented. It also helps in treating the patients who got positive early by reducing the viral load and slowing down the disease.
ICMR also mentioned that these antibodies can even be used for people at high risk of getting infected like doctors, nurses, or family members who are exposed to patients, as a preventive shot right after the exposure.
ICMR’s National Institute Of Virology(NIV) in Pune is already working on this research and experiments are being conducted at an advanced stage. The council also said that it will guide the partner companies through the research, testing and production, so that the product reaches the stage of Commercial Manufacturing as early as possible. This proactive approach is crucial in combating the Nipah virus within the country.
This initiative is part of a bigger plan, that is to make sure India is ready before the next pandemic outbreaks, by developing its own monoclonal antibodies. The country is betting on science, speed and self-reliance to save lives.
