The WHO launched the ‘Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP)’ that was authorized by 194 member states of the World Health Assembly in May 2012. This growing market for better healthcare infrastructure and high awareness levels of the benefits of immunization are the major reasons energized the growth of vaccine market. Ms Angela Chen Si Ting, Associate Therapeutics Strategy Lead, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Therapeutic Science and Strategy, APAC, QuintilesIMS, highlights the key trends in Asia’s growing vaccine market, speaking to BioSpectrum Asia Magazine.
The ‘Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP)’ was launched by WHO in May 2012.
Ms Angela Chen Si Ting, Associate Therapeutics Strategy Lead, Vaccines and Infectious Diseases, Therapeutic Science and Strategy, APAC, QuintilesIMS
What according to You are upcoming trends in Asia’s vaccine business?
We have noticed an increased interest in the Asia vaccine business from two kinds of manufacturers/developers –Western manufacturers and the Asia-Based manufacturers. One of the biggest reason was observed to be that a large proportion of WHO Prequalified vaccines are purchased by the GAVI, UNICEF, and PAHOs which are essentially supplied by the developing world. Our observations also revealed increased interests in three main sub-regions within Asia for vaccine development – mainly China, South East Asia and India. Most of our customers playing in this segment of the market shared that Asia is a critical part of companies’ expansion growth and downstream volume of sales.
Over the past few years, we have witnessed multiple births to Asia-based manufacturers which implemented faster and cheaper manufacturing process such as the use of tobacco plant, DNA plasmids, and delivery systems; T-cell targeting, etc. Many companies target profiles rival any from the West. This is supported by our observation of the market where companies from Japan, South Korea, and India venturing into US and EMEA registration shortly after local registration. Each of which comes with a high interest in improving public health within neglected countries.
Based on our interactions with KOLs and customers within the region, we understand that there are many companies in their early phase of maturation and it will not be long before their products take on market shares starting from South East Asia region and Africa region. It will be an exciting scene when these young and enthusiastic companies venture into western markets in mass and to avail themselves of pricing and innovation advantages.
Please elaborate on some of the key drivers of Asia’s vaccine businesses.
We believe that one of the key drivers within Asia businesses is the People. Asia is the home to 60% of the world’s population which offers a huge diversified patient pool for most clinical trials. The region also has one of the highest incidence of tropical disease but also one of the most popular vacation spot in the world.
The growing economies of Asia and the rise in quality of life are enabling expanded access to healthcare, including vaccines. Both Government and Private Healthcare authorities had come together since the 80s to help promote better healthcare, public heath support and also expanding insurance and reimbursement schemes. While every country has different economic growth rate but together as one region – Asia, understands the need to work together in order to prevent pandemic which has a devastating effect on the economy. Especially now when traveling has become too convenient and the movement of travelers can also be seen as the rate of spread if a pandemic hits.
Having multiple collaborations with customers, investigators, local authorities and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in many vaccine clinical trials within the South-East-Asia and India region, QuintilesIMS had the opportunity for more in-depth experience with the people and community....
(All Rights Reserved)