More than half of GAVI vaccine suppliers are based in emerging markets. The increased competition is driving down the price of vaccines
GAVI aims to make vaccines more affordable for low-income countries by expanding the range of suppliers to include developing country manufacturers. As such, the Alliance has assigned a seat on its Board to a representative of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturing Network (DCVMN), a voluntary alliance of 27 state-owned and private companies from 14 countries.
DCVMN goals
DCVMN's goals are closely aligned to those of GAVI and include:
- providing a consistent, sustainable supply of quality vaccines and related technologies at affordable prices, particularly those needed by developing countries;
- gaining recognition of the role developing country vaccine producers play in assuring availability of vaccines;
- expanding the role of its members within GAVI;
- encouraging the research and development efforts of its full members.
DCVMN also seeks to assist members to achieve WHO prequalification and to foster collaboration and communication in the international vaccine industry.
All full members of the DCVMN, who are located in countries with fully functioning regulatory authorities, are prequalified by WHO to supply vaccines both to domestic and international markets, including UNICEF, WHO and GAVI.
Decline in prices
There are already signs that increased competition from developing country pharmaceutical industry is driving down the price of GAVI-supported vaccines. More than half of GAVI vaccine suppliers are now based in emerging markets, with a consequent decline in prices, including for tetravalent and pentavalent vaccines.
Investment and technology transfer from industrialised country pharmaceutical industries is also broadening the range of vaccines produced in developing countries.
