Bharat Biotech International and GSK announced Wednesday they will progressively reduce the price of the world's first malaria vaccine by more than half to less than $5 per dose by 2028, marking a significant milestone in global malaria prevention efforts.
The commitment, announced as part of pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance for its next replenishment phase (Gavi 6.0, 2026-2030), represents a dramatic cost reduction for RTS,S, the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization in 2021.
Manufacturing Investments Drive Cost Reduction
The price reduction is driven by process improvements, expanded production capacity, cost-effective manufacturing, and minimal profit margins, according to the companies' joint statement. Bharat Biotech has invested more than $200 million in new, higher-output manufacturing facilities, product development and technology transfers to support the initiative.
"These enhancements have enabled a phased reduction in the price of the malaria vaccine, starting immediately and fully realised by 2028, when the transfer of production between the two companies is complete," the statement said.
GSK has simultaneously made significant investments to enhance production capacity and efficiency while undertaking the planned technology transfer to Bharat Biotech. The GSK team has worked hand in hand with Bharat Biotech to transfer the vaccine manufacturing technology while implementing crucial improvements in manufacturing efficiencies.
Global Health Impact and Distribution Plans
With Gavi's support, 12 endemic countries in Africa will introduce RTS,S through routine immunisation programmes by the end of 2025. The initiative aims to protect at least 50 million more children across Africa by the end of 2030.
"This pledge to Gavi 6.0 is more than a pricing announcement. It's a commitment to global equity, innovation, and collaboration. Through this historic announcement, we aim to change the course of malaria burden for millions of children and families," said Krishna Ella, executive chairman of Bharat Biotech International.
Strategic Partnership for Malaria Prevention
GSK Chief Global Health Officer Thomas Breuer emphasized the collaborative nature of the effort, stating that GSK had partnered with Bharat Biotech in 2021 with a common goal of finding a sustainable solution to get ahead of malaria.
"Today, we announce GSK's contribution to the long-term price ambition of the world's first malaria vaccine, a key milestone achieved through collaboration with Bharat Biotech and partners from Gavi, PATH and the WHO," Breuer said.
Gavi CEO Sania Nishtar highlighted the significance of the collaboration: "Our ambition is to protect at least 50 million more children across Africa by the end of 2030, and this collaboration between GSK and Bharat Biotech helps put this goal firmly within reach."
The RTS,S vaccine was developed by GSK, PATH and partners, representing a breakthrough in malaria prevention after decades of research and development efforts.
