Gavi stated on Monday that new tuberculosis vaccines, expected to be released from 2029, have the potential to save over seven million lives over the decade, provided there is a sufficient supply for the most needy countries.
Sanya Nishthaar, head of the global vaccine alliance Gavi, noted that the new drugs in development have the potential to become the 'next breakthrough immunization tool.' However, she added that they can only realize their potential if adequate, predictable, and accessible supply is ensured for countries with the highest incidence rates.
Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading infectious killer worldwide, claiming about 1.23 million lives in 2024, according to the latest World Health Organization data. Currently, the only licensed vaccine for protection against this disease is the BCG vaccine, which is over a hundred years old.
Gavi emphasized that while this vaccine is effective in protecting infants and young children from severe forms of the disease, its protection weakens over time. The organization expressed hope that a range of new vaccines being developed to prevent TB among adolescents and adults could fill this gap.
According to a recent Gavi analysis, after one of the promising candidate vaccines receives regulatory approval by the end of the decade, it 'could prevent up to 7.3 million deaths between 2030 and 2050.' The analysis also showed that the new vaccines could 'unlock up to $135 billion in economic benefits in low- and middle-income countries' by mid-century.
Nevertheless, the Gavi analysis identified several risks that could slow down vaccine implementation after licensing. These include insufficient global and domestic funding, which could limit coverage in countries. It was warned that demand uncertainty could affect manufacturers' investments in late-stage candidates, creating a risk of supply shortages.
Gavi, which pools governmental and private donations to help developing countries acquire immunizations at affordable prices, stated that it is working to ensure an adequate and accessible supply of vaccines immediately after their licensing. Furthermore, the organization will promote wide dissemination through routine immunization and 'encourage a competitive and geographically diverse portfolio of new TB vaccine candidates.' Sanya Nishthaar added that 'to help countries secure doses in the required volumes, we are starting to work with partners right now to lay the groundwork for timely access when these vaccines become available.'