The price reduction is part of both companies’ pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for its 2026–2030 replenishment.
Published Jun 26, 2025 | 2:04 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 26, 2025 | 2:04 PM
Vaccine. (Representational image)
Bharat Biotech, based in Hyderabad’s Genome Valley, and global pharma major GSK have announced a major price cut for the world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS.
Aimed at children in malaria-endemic regions, the vaccine’s cost will be reduced to under $5 per dose by 2028 — more than a 50 percent drop. This breakthrough was enabled by Bharat Biotech’s expanded production capacity, cost-effective manufacturing, and minimal profit margins.
The price reduction is part of both companies’ pledges to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, for its 2026–2030 replenishment. With Gavi’s 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 “global equity and accessibility.”
With Hyderabad playing a central role in manufacturing, this development underscores Telangana’s growing leadership in global vaccine innovation.
