Life-saving shot for less: Malaria vaccine price slashed to under five dollars
The price reduction is part of both companies鈥 pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for its 2026鈥2030 replenishment.
Bharat Biotech, based in Hyderabad鈥檚 Genome Valley, and global pharma major GSK have announced a major price cut for the world鈥檚 first malaria vaccine, RTS.
Aimed at children in malaria-endemic regions, the vaccine鈥檚 cost will be reduced to under $5 per dose by 2028 鈥 more than a 50 percent drop. This breakthrough was enabled by Bharat Biotech鈥檚 expanded production capacity, cost-effective manufacturing, and minimal profit margins.
The price reduction is part of both companies鈥 pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for its 2026鈥2030 replenishment. With Gavi鈥檚 support, RTS is expected to be introduced in 12 African countries through routine immunisation by the end of 2025.
Originally developed by GSK with PATH and partners, RTS became the first WHO-recommended malaria vaccine in 2021.
Since then, Bharat Biotech has invested over $200 million in scaling up facilities and technology transfer.
Dr Krishna Ella, Executive Chairman of Bharat Biotech, called the move a commitment to 鈥済lobal equity and accessibility.鈥
With Hyderabad playing a central role in manufacturing, this development underscores Telangana鈥檚 growing leadership in global vaccine innovation.