In a major boost to India’s fight against cervical cancer, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has invited pharmaceutical companies and eligible organisations to partner in the development and commercialisation of an indigenous cervical cancer drug candidate, SHetA2, designed to treat HPV-induced cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer.
ICMR has issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for the transfer of technology of SHetA2, aiming to move the molecule from the research pipeline into large-scale development, manufacturing, and market launch through industry collaboration.
Indigenous Drug Candidate for HPV-Linked Disease
SHetA2 is being explored as a therapeutic option for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-induced cervical dysplasia, a pre-cancerous condition involving abnormal changes in cervical cells, as well as for established cervical cancer. ICMR scientists say that intervening at the dysplasia stage could potentially reduce progression to invasive cancer, offering women a window for early, more effective treatment.
The technology has been jointly developed by the ICMR–National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (ICMR-NICPR) and the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents in the United States, reflecting a cross-border collaboration anchored in Indian public health priorities.
Call for Expressions of Interest
ICMR has invited interested pharma firms and organisations to apply via the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra (MIPM) portal by May 20, 2026. Shortlisted partners will receive rights to further develop, manufacture, and commercialise SHetA2, including taking the candidate through regulatory approvals and market access activities.
The initiative is part of a broader ICMR push to accelerate translation of indigenous health technologies into scalable solutions by actively engaging industry partners through structured tech-transfer and licensing mechanisms.
Cervical Cancer Burden in India
Worldwide, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women; in India, it is the second most common after breast cancer, despite improvements in screening and HPV vaccination efforts. India accounts for nearly 25% of global cervical cancer deaths, and one in every five women diagnosed with cervical cancer worldwide is from India.
Public health experts have repeatedly highlighted the need for affordable diagnostics, preventive strategies, and accessible treatment options, particularly in low-resource settings where women often present with advanced disease.
Integrated Strategy: Drug, Diagnostics and Vaccination
The SHetA2 EoI comes alongside ICMR’s parallel invitation for technology transfer of a self-sampling method and kit for detecting HPV infection, aimed at improving early detection and screening coverage. Together, these initiatives seek to strengthen the continuum of care from screening and early diagnosis to treatment.
Complementing these research and innovation efforts, the Government of India launched a nationwide HPV Vaccination Programme on February 28, 2026, offering free HPV vaccines at government facilities to approximately 1.15 crore girls aged 14 years across all states and union territories. Girls who turn 15 within 90 days of launch are also eligible under an intensive three-month campaign, after which the vaccine will be available through routine immunisation days.
Preventive oncology experts emphasise that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be largely prevented through timely vaccination and early detection, underscoring the importance of combining HPV vaccination, screening, and new therapeutic options like SHetA2.
Addressing Gaps in Women’s Cancer Care
Despite new initiatives, awareness, stigma, and access barriers remain significant. Anurag Srivastava of Mediways Health Foundation noted that women from more educated and urban backgrounds are more likely to opt for preventive screening, whereas many still avoid regular health check-ups due to fear, social hesitation, stigma, or lack of awareness. These factors continue to contribute to the burden of preventable cancers such as breast and cervical cancer, he said.
Dr. Akansha Sinha, Senior Consultant in Preventive Oncology at Delhi State Cancer Institute, stressed that women up to 45 years of age can still benefit from HPV vaccination and advocated extending vaccination to boys as well, given its role in reducing HPV-related cancers in men.
Push for Industry: Research Collaboration
Through the EoI mechanism and the Medical Innovation Patent Mitra platform, ICMR is positioning itself as a proactive partner for industry in co-developing indigenous therapeutics, diagnostics and vaccines that address India’s priority disease burdens. The SHetA2 programme adds to an expanding portfolio of ICMR-supported technologies now being readied for commercial scale-up across oncology, infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases.
With cervical cancer still claiming thousands of lives each year in India, stakeholders hope that a successful industry partnership around SHetA2 could eventually offer patients a home-grown, affordable treatment option that complements existing prevention and screening strategies.
