Bharat Biotech cuts malaria vaccine price 40% in UNICEF-Gavi deal | Hyderabad News
Hyderabad: Bharat Biotech International Ltd said Friday it has reached an equitable pricing agreement with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and UNICEF for the world’s first malaria vaccine Mosqivac (RTS,S/AS01), cutting the price by about 40% and widening access for children in high-burden countries.The agreement, executed by UNICEF and backed by Gavi, will lower the vaccine price to €5.50 per dose from early 2027. Bharat Biotech said the reduction is expected to save child immunisation programmes about $50 million between 2027 and 2029 and enable up to one million additional children to receive the full four-dose course.RTS,S/AS01, developed by GSK, PATH and partners, became the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization in 2021. GSK and Bharat Biotech have invested $200 million in expanded manufacturing, product development and technology transfer to increase supply and reduce costs.Bharat Biotech executive chairman Dr Krishna Ella said the agreement could help protect one million more children and urged countries and global organisations to accelerate vaccine introductions.GSK chief global health officer Harmony P Garges said the deal showed how collaboration can deliver impact as global health resources come under pressure.Demand for malaria vaccines has exceeded forecasts since rollout began in 2024, with UNICEF procuring and delivering more than 74 million doses.The Gavi-funded programme is now part of routine immunisation schedules in 25 African countries.Malaria caused an estimated 282 million cases and 610,000 deaths globally in 2024, with Africa and young children bearing the heaviest burden overall.
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