The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges the vital role vaccines play in saving 2-3 million lives annually against various diseases, such as tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, measles, and influenza. Vaccines are primary components of healthcare, aiding in the prevention of a wide range of diseases and bolstering immunity. They are designed to be aligned with the body's natural defense mechanisms, which help reduce the risk of disorder transmission.
As per Extrapolate's report, the vaccine market was valued at $69.96 billion in 2022 and is expected to be valued at $150.50 billion by 2030. Increasing public awareness and supportive government initiatives and funding are driving the demand for vaccines worldwide.
Additionally, with notable developments, vaccines can boost immunity against complex diseases, including malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis. Furthermore, the disruptive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, causing over 497 million cases globally, has necessitated the urgent need for continuous vaccine development and deployment.
Let’s take a quick look at the leading manufacturers of vaccines on a global scale.
2024's Top Vaccine Manufacturers: Who's Leading the Pack?
10 best companies in the vaccine industry are listed below:
1. Pfizer Inc.
Pfizer Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops and produces medicines and vaccines for various therapeutic areas, including immunology, oncology, cardiology, endocrinology, and neurology. The company has developed a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine that has been found to provide 95% protection when used in a two-dose regimen. Pfizer has also focused on ensuring the efficient availability of vaccines for sale and distribution, developing logistical plans and tools for effective transport and storage.
2. Johnson & Johnson
Johnson & Johnson, through its pharmaceutical arm Janssen, has developed a COVID-19 vaccine that has received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The company has also collaborated with other companies, such as Merck, to assist in the manufacturing of vaccines for children and adults. Its Ebola vaccine regimen, Zabdeno (Ad26.ZEBOV) and Mvabea (MVA-BN-Filo) has shown powerful humoral immune responses in adults and children aged 1-17, with immune responses persisting in adults for at least two years.
3. GlaxoSmithKline plc
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is a global pharmaceutical company that has been involved in the development and commercialization of vaccines. GSK has collaborated with other companies, such as Merck and Pfizer, to bring innovative vaccines to market. In January 2024, it launched a campaign to create awareness about vaccines for babies aged 1-2 years. The campaign was undertaken across various channels, encouraging parents to consult their pediatricians for more information on how do vaccines work and their associated benefits.
4. Sanofi
Sanofi is a pharmaceutical company that has acquired companies involved in vaccine development, such as Praxis Biologics and Connaught Laboratories. Sanofi has been actively engaged in the development of vaccinations, including those for COVID-19. In May 2024, Sanofi collaborated with Novavax with an upfront payment of $500 million to develop new flu-COVID-19 combination vaccinations.
5. Merck & Co., Inc.
Merck & Co., Inc. has been involved in the development and commercialization of vaccinations, including those for hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type B. It also plans to conduct two clinical trials evaluating the safety and efficacy of a single-dose regimen of its multivalent human papillomavirus vaccine, Gardasil 9. Additionally, in February 2024, the company reported a 21% increase in sales for Keytruda cancer medicine and a 27% increase for the Gardasil HPV vaccine.
6. Novartis AG
Novartis AG is a pharmaceutical company that has been involved in the development of vaccines, including those for pediatric use. Novartis has collaborated with vaccine developers such as Pfizer and CureVac to produce Pfizer-BioNTech and CureVac vaccinations.
7. AstraZeneca plc
AstraZeneca plc is a pharmaceutical company that has been actively involved in the development of COVID-19 vaccines. The company's vaccine has been widely administered worldwide. In May 2024, AstraZeneca withdrew COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, as a result of the surplus of drugs targeting newer variants.
8. Moderna, Inc.
Moderna, Inc. is a biotechnology company that develops various types of vaccines. It developed SPIKEVAX, a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, in 2022, suitable for individuals aged 18 and older in the U.S. This vaccine has been widely used and has contributed to global vaccination efforts. Currently, the company is awaiting FDA approval for its mRNA-1345, which was expected to be declared on May 12, 2024.
9. Sinovac Biotech Ltd.
Sinovac Biotech Ltd. is a China-based biopharmaceutical company that has been involved in the development of vaccinations. It has played a vital role with its COVID-19 vaccine. The company's vaccine has been administered to millions of people worldwide. The company has also confirmed approval to conduct a clinical trial in China for its anti-Covid-19 antibody SA55 injection.
10. Bharat Biotech International Limited
Bharat Biotech International Limited, a biotechnology company, has been actively involved in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin. It has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the University of Sydney Infectious Diseases Institute (Sydney ID) to collaborate on vaccine research to combat infectious diseases. Additionally, in May 2024, the company received approval from the Central Drug Standard Control Organization to conduct a phase II clinical trial of the MTBVAC vaccine for TB prevention in adults and adolescents.
Advancements in Vaccines: A Glimpse into the Future
The future of vaccines looks promising as technology and research continue to advance. With new developments, we can expect more efficient and targeted vaccines with enhanced effectiveness for complex diseases. In April 2024, The Serum Institute of India announced its collaboration with the Oslo-based Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop and supply outbreak vaccines for Disease X in countries in the Global South.
Similarly, as technology advances, startups are inclined to develop needle-free vaccinations; one such company is Jurata's Thin Film, a start-up company based in Chapel Hill. It has developed a new drug-delivery technology that stabilizes vaccines and biologics at ambient temperatures, allowing them to dissolve in 30 seconds. This technology can change vaccine administration routes, paving the way for needle-free vaccinations and improving access to life-saving treatments. These developments are redefining disease prevention and diagnosis.
