New tuberculosis vaccines expected to become available from 2029 have the potential to save more than 7 million lives over two decades, according to the Gavi global vaccine alliance. Gavi stressed that the vaccines will only realise their potential if sufficient, predictable, and affordable supply is ensured for countries with the highest disease burden. Tuberculosis remains the world's leading infectious killer, claiming an estimated 1.23 million lives in 2024.
The current vaccine licensed to protect against TB, the Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, is over 100 years old and while effective in protecting infants and young children against severe forms of the disease, its protection wanes. Gavi voiced hope that new vaccines being developed to prevent TB among adolescents and adults could fill the gap. The organisation is working to ensure sufficient and affordable supply of the new vaccines as soon as they are licensed.
A fresh Gavi analysis determined that the new vaccines could avert up to 7.3 million deaths from 2030 through 2050 and unlock up to $135 billion in economic benefits across low- and middle-income countries by mid-century. However, the analysis also identified risks that could slow the rollout, including inadequate global and domestic financing, which could limit uptake in countries.
Gavi, which brings together government and private donors to help developing countries acquire immunisations for key diseases at affordable prices, is working to ensure sufficient and affordable supply of the vaccines. The organisation will push for widespread uptake through routine immunisation and encourage a competitive and geographically diverse pipeline of novel TB vaccine candidates.
Sania Nishtar, head of Gavi, said that in order to help countries secure doses in the volumes they need, Gavi is beginning to work with partners now to lay the groundwork for timely access when these vaccines become available. Nishtar stressed that the new vaccines have the potential of becoming the "next blockbuster immunisation tool".
The first of the new and promising candidate vaccines is expected to secure regulatory approval by the end of the decade. Gavi's analysis warned that demand uncertainty could impact manufacturer capacity investments for late-stage candidates, creating supply risk. The organisation is working to mitigate these risks and ensure that the new vaccines are accessible to those who need them most.
The development of new TB vaccines is a significant step towards controlling the disease, which remains a major public health challenge. With the support of organisations like Gavi, these vaccines could have a major impact on global health and help to save millions of lives over the coming decades.
Key points
- New TB vaccines expected to be available from 2029 could save over 7 million lives in two decades.
- The current BCG vaccine's protection wanes over time, and new vaccines are needed to prevent TB among adolescents and adults.
- Gavi is working to ensure sufficient and affordable supply of the new vaccines and push for widespread uptake through routine immunisation.
