Global Malaria Vaccines Market Estimated to Witness Significant Growth Due to Increasing Research Investments and Rising Disease Prevalence
The Global Malaria Vaccines Market is estimated to be valued at USD 550.1 Mn in 2024, exhibiting a CAGR of 12.5% over the forecast period (2024-2031). The market is witnessing significant growth owing to increasing investments in malaria vaccine research by various government and non-government organizations. Furthermore, rising prevalence of malaria disease especially in developing regions of Africa and Asia Pacific is also driving the demand for effective malaria vaccines.
Market Dynamics:
The global malaria vaccines market is primarily driven by increasing research investments for developing novel and effective malaria vaccines. Various organizations, such as WHO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and governments of endemic countries, are allocating substantial funding for malaria vaccine R&D. Additionally, growing disease prevalence, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, is also augmenting the demand for malaria vaccines
Growing investments in malaria vaccine development
There have been significant investments from governments and pharmaceutical companies in recent years to develop an effective malaria vaccine. In December 2024, according to the WHO, Malaria remains one of the biggest public health challenges globally, killing over 400,000 people annually. Development agencies like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have committed hundreds of millions of dollars toward malaria vaccine research and development. This funding has accelerated clinical trials and brought several promising candidates to late-stage testing. The sizable funding available has encouraged more biotech and pharmaceutical companies to enter this market and work on developing a vaccine.
Rising awareness about preventive healthcare in endemic regions
Countries, such as South Africa, heavily impacted by malaria have raised awareness about preventive measures like insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying of insecticides. This has positively impacted prevention attitudes. With communities now more educated on preventive healthcare, demand is rising for vaccination, the most effective prevention strategy. National malaria control programs such as The Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme in Africa and Asia Pacific are promoting the benefits of vaccination. When a safe and effective malaria vaccine becomes available, awareness of it as a prevention tool will help drive higher adoption and uptake in endemic regions.
Technological challenges in vaccine development
Developing an effective malaria vaccine has proven exceptionally challenging due to the complexity of the parasite. The malaria parasite has evolved methods to evade the human immune system making it a difficult target for vaccination. Researchers are still working on antigens that can provide robust and long-lasting immunity against all malaria parasite strains. Overcoming these technological barriers will require further research and testing of new vaccine candidates and formulations.
Cost implications of widespread vaccination
Widespread vaccination programs for malaria will require substantial financial investment and resource allocation from governments and international development organizations. The delivery and administration infrastructure for rolling out vaccination across endemic regions needs to be established. Cold chain requirements for some vaccine candidates add further logistical and cost hurdles. Affordability will be a major factor determining uptake in lower income countries bearing the maximum malaria burden.
Integration of Malaria vaccination in Childhood Immunization
Integrating a malaria vaccine with routine childhood immunization schedules could significantly boost coverage and uptake. Leveraging the existing healthcare worker network and facilities for programs like Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) reduces the need for establishing parallel delivery infrastructure. This could make vaccination more cost-effective. Co-administration with other pediatric vaccines on the recommended immunization schedules is also being evaluated to streamline delivery. There is a sizable market for malaria vaccination among international travelers and expatriates living in endemic regions. This group is often willing to pay higher prices for vaccination. A travelers' vaccine could be the pathway to initial commercial introduction while rolling out continues through public health programs. Revenue from travelers could help subsidize vaccination costs in endemic countries. Manufacturers may see initial growth opportunities by targeting the private paying segment prior to widespread public programs.
Link - https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/market-insight/malaria-vaccines-market-37
Key Developments:
- On May 2024, UNICEF delivered over 43,000 doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to Bangui, Central African Republic, with an additional 120,000 doses expected soon. This marks the first integration of the R21 vaccine into routine childhood immunization programs. As the second malaria vaccine recommended by the WHO, R21 complements the RTS, S vaccine in scaling up malaria prevention across Africa. Supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, this expanded supply aims to significantly improve child health and survival in malaria-endemic regions.
- In October 2023, UNICEF announced a long-term agreement with Serum Life Sciences to secure the supply of the R21/Matrix-M Malaria Vaccine, conditional on World Health Organization (WHO) pre-qualification. Deliveries are expected to begin mid-2024, complementing the rollout of the first malaria vaccine, RTS, S, starting late 2023.
- In September 2022, GSK plc, a pharmaceutical company, announced that Mosquirix (RTS, S/AS01), its groundbreaking malaria vaccine, received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification, the first for a malaria vaccine. This milestone enables procurement by UN agencies like UNICEF in collaboration with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for rollout in countries with moderate to high Plasmodium falciparum malaria transmission.
Key Players:
GlaxoSmithKline plc, Sanaria Inc., Nobelpharma Co., Sumaya Biotech, GenVec, Merck & Co., Inc., Pfizer Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Bharat Biotech, Serum Institute of India, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, Novavax, Inc., Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Vaxart, Inc., and BioNTech SE
