Emerging Market Vaccine Manufacturers: Untapped Potential for Improving Health and Social Outcomes Globally

Abstract

The suboptimal level of vaccine research and development globally contributes to millions of people losing their lives to vaccine-preventable diseases each year, the vast majority of whom live in developing countries. Vaccine manufacturers based in developing countries are increasingly participating in vaccine research and development to improve the availability of these life-saving vaccine products. To understand the extent to which these emerging market vaccine manufacturers can contribute to global vaccine research and development, and thus improve health and societal outcomes, we examined the capabilities, priorities, and strategies of these organizations. We identified that emerging market manufacturers often engage in partnerships and solicit external support to alleviate the technical and financial hurdles associated with the complexity and cost of vaccine development. Focusing on unmet medical needs facilitates emerging market manufacturers' access to partners and external support and is critical in establishing a reputation in the global vaccine research and development ecosystem.