Understanding the Future Outlook for Preventive Vaccines

The Asia Pacific region has hardened its reputation as a burgeoning hub for the preventive vaccines market, with several countries ramping up their efforts to confirm healthcare security and broadening their industrial prowess. The market growth has been marked by substantial expansion. For instance, India, already dubbed the 'pharmacy of the world', exported more than 140 million doses of covid-19 vaccines until May 2022, with China following closely.

As per the latest data issued by WHO, India supplies and produces more than 60% of the global vaccine demand. This production surge has been catalyzed by investments, both foreign and domestic. Notably, Singapore and South Korea have collectively attracted more than US$ 3 billion in the past two years for vaccine R&D and production facilities. In addition to this, according to the research report of Astute Analytica, the Asia Pacific preventive vaccines market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.07% during the forecast period from 2024 to 2032.

Moreover, Japan's recent initiation of a US$ 1.7 billion vaccine production plant stands testament to the proactive role governments are playing to secure domestic vaccine security and also capture a piece of the lucrative export market.

Future Outlook for Preventive Vaccines are: -

New vaccines are required for chronic and emerging infections

Most successful vaccines protect against acute (short-lived) infections largely via the production of antibodies. Vaccines for chronic (long-lasting) infections, particularly for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, remain a challenge. One of the primary reasons for this is that the bacteria, viruses, and parasites causing these infections mask the immune system inside the person’s cells. To overcome this, a different type of immune response involving T cells is needed instead of, or in addition to, an antibody response.

There are some infections related to serious long-term complications that people don’t yet have a vaccine for. For instance, infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori suggests patients are more likely to form stomach cancer, and group A streptococcus infection is liable for rheumatic fever, which is still a significant cause of death and disability in developing countries.

Based on experience with emerging infections like Zika and Ebola, progress has been made in developing vaccines that utilize mRNA (a type of genetic material) to stimulate some of the cells to temporarily produce antigens. The progress and research made in this field contributed to the speed of development of COVID-19 vaccines.

New technologies will enhance vaccine efficacy and delivery

To make a vaccine that only requires to be given once, it must either be very powerful or packaged so that its contents are released intermittently once it has been administered. Technologies and alternative adjuvants that can release the demand for multiple shots are under development.

Currently, many vaccines ought to be injected—an experience that people can find unpleasant, and may be a severe psychological barrier for some. Needle-free administration is already possible for some vaccines, like live vaccines given orally (e.g. rotavirus).

Researchers are working on needle-free skin patches, edible plant-based vaccine materials, and microneedle injection technologies to get the vaccine via the skin without discomfort. Technologies for delivering multiple antigens in one injection are enhancing. Many different inactivated vaccines can already be given in one injection without damaging the immune reaction to any of them, and some live virus vaccines can also be given in one injection. That means fewer needles for patients and more efficient vaccine delivery overall.