Last reviewed 2026-04-22 · How we verify

HDCV Comparator

HDCV (Human Diploid Cell Vaccine) is a rabies vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against rabies virus.

HDCV (Human Diploid Cell Vaccine) is a rabies vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce antibodies against rabies virus. Used for Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk individuals.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

HDCV is an inactivated rabies vaccine produced in human diploid cells (MRC-5 cell line) that contains killed rabies virus antigen. Upon administration, it triggers both humoral and cellular immune responses, leading to the production of rabies-specific antibodies and memory immune cells that protect against rabies virus infection. It is used for both post-exposure prophylaxis and pre-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk populations.

Approved indications

• Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis
• Rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis in high-risk individuals

Common side effects

• Local injection site reactions (pain, erythema, swelling)
• Headache
• Myalgia
• Fever
• Nausea

Key clinical trials

• DMID 23-0015; Lassa Fever CVD 1000 (PHASE1)
• Safety and Immunogenicity of GSK Biologicals' Investigational Malaria Vaccine in HIV Infected Infants and Children (PHASE3)

Primary sources

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Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• HDCV Comparator CI brief — competitive landscape report
• HDCV Comparator updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Wilbur Chen, MD, MS portfolio CI