Bharat Biotech enters into agreement with GSK, PATH to produce, distribute malaria vaccine
Krishna M Ella, Bharat Biotech, CMD, said, “With prior expertise in malaria research, WHO prequalified vaccines, supplied to more than 70 countries, Bharat Biotech is geared up for large-scale manufacturing.
Hyderabad: GSK, PATH and Bharat Biotech (BBIL) signed a product transfer agreement for the malaria vaccine. The agreement includes the transfer of manufacturing of the RTS,S antigen part of the vaccine and the grant of a license on all rights pertaining to the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine to BBIL.
GSK will retain the production of the adjuvant of the vaccine (AS01E) and will supply it to BBIL. Bharat Biotech has been selected through a comprehensive, competitive process undertaken by GSK and PATH, working in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO).
The RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine, developed by GSK for more than 30 years, and in partnership with PATH since 2001, is currently being piloted in regions of Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi under the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme (MVIP).
This agreement builds on existing GSK commitments to donate up to 10 million RTS,S/AS01E doses for use in the pilot, and to supply up to 15 million doses annually until 2028 if the product is recommended for wider use by WHO. It is expected that by 2029, at the latest, BBIL will be the sole supplier of the vaccine, with GSK supplying the adjuvant AS01E to them.
Thomas Breuer, GSK Vaccines chief medical officer and Vaccines Global Health lead, said, “Our 30- year and ongoing commitment to RTS,S/AS01E represents significant leadership and investment in global health vaccines, but also a huge scientific achievement in the fight against malaria. With a child still dying of malaria every two minutes, helping secure the long-term future of the only vaccine available by working with an established leader like Bharat Biotech is vital for the continued fight against this devastating disease.”
John Bawa, Africa Lead, Vaccine Implementation, PATH, said, “Malaria takes such a toll on African children, our health care systems, and our economies, that having this vaccine is cause for optimism, given its potential to further reduce malaria illnesses and deaths.”
Krishna M Ella, Bharat Biotech, CMD, said, “With prior expertise in malaria research, WHO prequalified vaccines, supplied to more than 70 countries, Bharat Biotech is geared up for large-scale manufacturing, and to provide continuous long-term supply of this life-saving vaccine.”
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