Bharat Biotech to Supply GSK Malaria Vaccine 2026

BHARAT BIOTECH TO SUPPLY GSK’S MALARIA VACCINE TO GAVI IN 2026

Why in the News?

  • Strategic partnership: Bharat Biotech to supply RTS,S malaria vaccine, developed by GSK, to Gavi from 2026.
  • Global milestone: RTS,S is the first malaria vaccine recommended by WHO in 2021.
  •     Gavi 6.0 phase: Supplies are part of commitments for Gavi’s 2026–2030 replenishment cycle.

Bharat Biotech to Supply GSK Malaria Vaccine 2026

Key Terms of Agreement

  • Affordable pricing: Vaccine price to be cut by over 50% to under $5 by 2028.
  • Efficiency focus: Driven by process improvements, scaling capacity, and low profit margins.
  •     Global access: Supports low-income countries with affordable malaria vaccination.

Significance for India and World

  • Make in India boost: Strengthens India’s role in global health security.
  • Disease prevention: Expands protection in malaria-endemic regions.
  • South-South cooperation: Reflects India’s role in vaccine diplomacy.

RTS,S MALARIA VACCINE

●  Vaccine type: Targets Plasmodium falciparum, most deadly malaria strain.

●  Historical first: RTS,S is first vaccine for any human parasitic disease.

●      Global need: Malaria kills over 600,000 people yearly, mainly in Africa.