The move is driven by process improvements, expanded production capacity, cost-effective manufacturing and minimal profit margins, they said in a joint statement.
The drugmakers announced their commitment to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi), in the continued roll-out of the world’s first malaria vaccine.
“Bharat Biotech will be reducing the price of RTS.S, developed by GSK, PATH and partners, by more than half, to less than $5 progressively by 2028. RTS,S was the first malaria vaccine recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2021,” the statement said.
Bharat Biotech has invested more than $200 million in new, higher-output manufacturing facilities, product development and technology transfers, it said, adding, “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.”
With Gavi’s support, 12 endemic countries in Africa will introduce RTS,S through routine immunisation programmes by the end of 2025. Krishna Ella, executive chairman of Bharat Biotech International, said, “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. For us, this is more than a cooperation, it’s a promise.”
