Bharat Biotech Cuts Mosqivac Vaccine Price by 40% for UNICEF Deal
Bharat Biotech announces a significant price reduction for its malaria vaccine, Mosqivac, following a GAVI-supported agreement with UNICEF.
Mosqivac vaccine price reduced from €9.30 to €5.50 per dose.
Agreement expected to save $50 million for child immunisation programs.
Over 74 million doses of malaria vaccines have been delivered by UNICEF since 2024.
Bharat Biotech International has announced a substantial reduction in the price of its malaria vaccine, Mosqivac, by approximately 40%. This decision comes in light of a new agreement with UNICEF, which is financially supported by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. The revised price will be set at €5.50 per dose, down from the current price of €9.30, and is expected to take effect by early 2027.
The price cut is part of a broader initiative aimed at creating a more sustainable and competitive market for malaria vaccines. Bharat Biotech emphasized that this agreement will facilitate equitable pricing, ultimately benefiting child immunisation programs. The anticipated savings of around $50 million will enable these programs to reach an additional one million children with the complete four-dose course of the vaccine between 2027 and 2029.
The Mosqivac vaccine, which is based on the RTS,S/AS01 formulation developed by GSK and PATH, was the first malaria vaccine recommended by the WHO in 2021. Since then, both GSK and Bharat Biotech have invested $200 million in enhancing manufacturing capabilities and technology transfer to ensure a reliable supply at reduced costs. Bharat Biotech's Executive Chairman, Krishna Ella, highlighted the significance of the Gavi-UNICEF partnership in expanding malaria vaccination efforts globally.
The demand for malaria vaccines has surpassed initial expectations since the rollout began in 2024. UNICEF has procured and delivered over 74 million doses, integrating the Gavi-funded malaria program into routine immunisation in 25 African nations, which account for more than 70% of the global malaria burden. A complete immunisation regimen of four doses of RTS,S/AS01 is shown to reduce malaria cases by approximately 75% in regions with high seasonal transmission.
Looking ahead, the price reduction is expected to enhance access to malaria vaccines, particularly for vulnerable populations. As the global health landscape continues to evolve, the collaboration between Gavi, UNICEF, and Bharat Biotech is poised to make a significant impact on malaria prevention efforts worldwide.
