Vaccines for Fertility Control - Immunological approaches for development of vaccines have also been tried. One project in India was initiated as a part of family planning programme by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, but was transferred to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in 1986, Three vaccines are being developed simultaneously:

(i) National Institute of Immunology (NII) developed the first ever birth control vaccine based on the hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin). The vaccine elicited antibodies against both tetanus and pregnancy hormone hCG. Tetanus is a major killer of pregnant women in India in deliveries taking place outside hospital. The vaccine, therefore, has double benefit.

Women using this vaccine, continue to ovulate and maintain menstrual cycle. The action of vaccine is reversible, but can be prolonged with booster injections. A clinical trial conducted on 105 women showed that the vaccine was well tolerated. Phase II trials on 750 women in three cities were in progress during 1991-92.