The global regulatory landscape for combined vaccines: A comparative case study of registration strategies for diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing vaccines.

Abstract

Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-containing vaccines (DTPCVs) represent the forefront of combination vaccine development globally. However, the licensing of high-valent DTPCVs varies worldwide owing to diverse regulatory requirements. Some national regulatory authorities (NRAs) have adopted flexible strategies to fast-track the approval and uptake of critical DTPCVs to address public health needs. This study examined the global regulatory status of combination vaccines, using descriptive and comparative analyses to highlight pivotal registration issues for DTPCVs. Specifically, it sheds light on the regulatory approaches of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), European Medicines Agency (EMA), National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), and other Asian regulators through a case study of hepatitis B-containing DTPCVs. Drawing on these findings, this study advocates the initiation of regulatory convergence efforts, establishment of practical regulatory strategies, and swift approval and wider adoption of high-valent DTPCVs.