Vaccine Adjuvants Market

Vaccine Adjuvants: Boosting Immune Responses

Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases by triggering the immune system to produce a protective response against pathogens. However, some vaccines may require additional components called adjuvants to enhance their immunogenicity and efficacy. Vaccine adjuvants are substances that are added to vaccines to enhance their potency, duration, and effectiveness.

Adjuvants are typically added to vaccines to improve the body's immune response to the antigen, the substance that induces an immune response. They work by activating the immune system and boosting the body's natural response to the antigen. Vaccine adjuvants can also help reduce the amount of antigen needed in a vaccine and increase the duration of the immune response, resulting in a longer-lasting and more robust protection against the targeted pathogen.

Adjuvants can be classified into different categories, including mineral salts, oil emulsions, liposomes, and nanoparticles. Aluminum salts, such as aluminum hydroxide and aluminum phosphate, are the most commonly used adjuvants in vaccines. They work by forming a depot at the injection site, where the antigen and adjuvant are released slowly, stimulating a prolonged immune response.

Oil emulsions are another type of adjuvant commonly used in vaccines. They work by creating an antigen depot that slowly releases the antigen over time, leading to a stronger and longer-lasting immune response. Liposomes and nanoparticles are also used as adjuvants in some vaccines, and they work by enhancing the uptake of the antigen by immune cells.

The use of adjuvants in vaccines has become increasingly important in recent years, as researchers continue to develop new vaccines and explore new ways to combat infectious diseases. Adjuvants have been instrumental in the development of vaccines against several infectious diseases, including hepatitis B, human papillomavirus (HPV), and shingles.

Despite their benefits, some people may be concerned about the safety of vaccine adjuvants. However, extensive testing and clinical trials have shown that adjuvants used in vaccines are safe and well-tolerated by most people. The benefits of vaccination, including the prevention of infectious diseases, far outweigh any potential risks associated with adjuvants.

Dynamics of Vaccine Adjuvants Market

Drivers in Vaccine Adjuvants Market

The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis, malaria, and HIV, among others, is one of the primary drivers of the vaccine adjuvants market's growth. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza alone results in millions of cases of severe illness and respiratory deaths each year, and in 2020, about 30% of the tested specimens for influenza were found to be positive. Furthermore, the market is influenced by unmet demand for specific vaccines, government vaccination recommendations, technological advances, and increased use of combined and synthetic vaccines.

Various government agencies across the globe are promoting and raising awareness about vaccinations against several diseases, such as anthrax, BCG, hepatitis, HPV, influenza, varicella, smallpox, and other conditions. For instance, in 2021, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) invested nearly USD 10 billion to increase access to vaccines and better help communities of color, rural, low-income, and other marginalized communities in response to COVID-19. Such government initiatives on immunization in the country increase the use of vaccines, thereby positively impacting the vaccine adjuvants market's growth.

In addition, the recent development of an adjuvant called Alhydroxiquim-II has enhanced the efficacy of India's COVID-19 vaccine. The COVAXIN COVID-19 vaccine, which has been administered to about 25 million individuals in India and other countries, was made effective with the use of this adjuvant developed by the Lawrence-based biotech company ViroVax LLC. The adjuvant was developed and evaluated in the lab with funding provided by the NIAID Adjuvant Development Program.

Restraints in Vaccine Adjuvants Market

One of the main restraints in the use of vaccine adjuvants is the skepticism about animal-sourced ingredients, such as squalene, which is derived from shark liver oil. The use of this ingredient has led to the overfishing of sharks. According to the conservationist group Shark Allies, almost 300,000 sharks need to be killed to develop just one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for the global population. Moreover, the restrictions on imports and exports due to facility closures during the COVID-19 pandemic had a short-term negative impact on the market's growth in the initial phase of the pandemic due to supply chain disruptions and the unavailability of human resources.

However, the market's growth has been positively impacted in the post-pandemic phase by the introduction of several vaccines for COVID-19. In 2022, the United States Food and Drug Administration granted an emergency use authorization for the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, which is adjuvanted and designed for the prevention of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals aged 18 years and above. Additionally, the United States Department of Health and Human Services collaborated with the Department of Defense to secure 3.3 million doses of Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine, which is protein-based and adjuvanted. This vaccine is expected to be available for free to states, jurisdictions, federal pharmacy partners, and federally qualified health centers if it receives the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These instances are likely to augment the market's growth in the future, despite the limitations on shark fishing and animal-sourced vaccine adjuvants.

Opportunities in Vaccine Adjuvants Market

The Global Vaccine Adjuvants Market is experiencing growth opportunities owing to the rising funding for vaccines and infectious disease research activities. The emergence of COVID-19 has led to the recognition of the significance of research on infectious diseases, resulting in increased government initiatives for vaccinations and the prevention of avoidable epidemics. Moreover, the prevalence of infectious and zoonotic diseases and the emergence of chronic diseases are also contributing factors to the growth of the market.

Challenges in Vaccine Adjuvants Market

However, the use of vaccine adjuvants is not without challenges. Side effects and high toxicity associated with adjuvants are major challenges hindering market growth. Adjuvants such as aluminum-based adjuvants can lead to mild reactions and frequent occurrence of granulomas. High levels of these salts can cause neurological disorders and dialysis-associated dementia. These limitations need to be addressed to ensure the safe and effective use of vaccine adjuvants.

The Global Vaccine Adjuvants Market report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market, including key segments, trends, drivers, restraints, and competitive landscape. It offers a holistic evaluation of the market and the factors playing a substantial role in its growth. It is essential to address the challenges associated with vaccine adjuvants to ensure their safe and effective use in combating infectious diseases.

Ecosystem of Vaccine Adjuvants Market

The vaccine adjuvants market is categorized into various product segments, including adjuvant emulsions, pathogen components, saponin-based adjuvants, particulate adjuvants, and other adjuvants. Among these, the adjuvant emulsions segment is projected to hold the dominant position during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the increasing use of adjuvant emulsions in COVID-19 vaccines and the rising number of adjuvanted vaccines in general.

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America has been the largest regional market for vaccine adjuvants and is expected to continue its dominance during the forecast period. This can be attributed to several factors, such as the presence of key market players, advanced technology, and growing investment in vaccine research and development. Additionally, government and non-government initiatives, immunization programs, and increased demand for combined vaccines have further fueled market growth in the region. For example, in June 2022, retail pharmacies in the United States administered and reported over 250 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, including eight million doses administered onsite to long-term care facilities in the early days of the vaccination program.

The product type of mineral salt-based adjuvants is expected to experience significant growth during the forecast period. The most commonly used adjuvants in human vaccines are alum vaccine supplements, which are aluminum-based salts that include aluminum hydroxide, aluminum phosphate, and aluminum hydroxyphosphate. In addition to alum, calcium salts, iron, and zirconium are also used as alternatives. For instance, calcium phosphate is regularly used in vaccines for diseases like diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP), polio, yellow fever, and BCG. It enhances soluble antigens and covertly expresses them in the immune system. As per a recently published article titled "An Overview of Vaccine Adjuvants: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives," aluminum salts are the most frequently used adjuvants in most vaccinations approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use. These adjuvants have been included in vaccine formulations for the longest period, and adding more adjuvants is considered the only way to increase the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Therefore, it is crucial to research new molecules and substances with adjuvant properties and increase the number of in vitro and in vivo investigations to improve vaccine efficacy.

Recent developments in the Vaccine Adjuvants Market include the development of new adjuvants, including oil-in-water emulsions, liposomes, and nanoparticles. These new adjuvants have been shown to improve the immune response of vaccines and reduce the amount of vaccine required per dose.

Another significant development in the Vaccine Adjuvants Market is the use of mRNA technology in vaccine development. This technology has allowed for the development of highly effective vaccines for COVID-19 and other diseases. The use of adjuvants in mRNA vaccines is also being studied to enhance their effectiveness.

Additionally, there has been a growing concern about the use of animal-sourced adjuvants, such as squalene derived from shark liver oil. This has led to the development of new, plant-based adjuvants, which are considered to be more sustainable and ethical.

Dominating Companies in Vaccine Adjuvants Market

• GSK PLC
• DYNAVAX TECHNOLOGIES
• NOVAVAX
• AGENUS INC.
• CRODA INTERNATIONAL PLC
• SEPPIC (SUBSIDIARY OF AIR LIQUIDE GROUP)
• PHIBRO ANIMAL HEALTH CORPORATION
• SPI PHARMA (SUBSIDIARY OF ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS PLC)
• CSL LIMITED
• MERCK KGAA
• OZ BIOSCIENCES
• INVIVOGEN
• ALLERGY THERAPEUTICS
• VERTELLUS
• EUBIOLOGICS CO., LTD.
• PACIFIC GENETECH LIMITED
• HAWAII BIOTECH INC.
• RIBOXX GMBH
• CAPTIVATE PHARMACEUTICALS LLC
• VAXINE PTY LTD.
• CREATIVE DIAGNOSTICS
• LITEVAX BV
• MUKTA INDUSTRIES
• ONCOVIR, INC.
• TITERMAX USA, INC
• Adjuvatis
• GlaxoSmithKline PLC

Recent Developments in Vaccine Adjuvants Market

• One of the notable mergers/acquisitions in the vaccine adjuvants field is the acquisition of Novavax by Praha Vaccines. In 2021, Praha Vaccines, a subsidiary of the Cyrus Poonawalla Group, acquired Novavax, a US-based biotechnology company that specializes in developing vaccine adjuvants. The acquisition is expected to enhance Praha Vaccines' manufacturing capabilities and expand its portfolio of vaccines.
• Another significant partnership was formed between Vaxine Pty Ltd and Medytox in 2019. Vaxine, an Australian biotechnology company, entered into a partnership with Medytox, a South Korean biopharmaceutical company, to develop a new vaccine adjuvant technology. The partnership aimed to develop a novel vaccine delivery platform that could be used to create vaccines for infectious diseases such as influenza and COVID-19.
• In 2020, a joint venture was formed between Adjuvatis and Vakzine Projekt Management. Adjuvatis, a French biotechnology company that specializes in vaccine adjuvants, partnered with Vakzine Projekt Management, a German company that provides project management services to the biopharmaceutical industry. The joint venture aimed to develop new vaccine adjuvants and improve the manufacturing process for existing adjuvants.
• In 2019, Invivogen announced a partnership with OZ Biosciences to co-develop new vaccine adjuvants. Invivogen, a French biotechnology company that develops innovative tools for life science research, teamed up with OZ Biosciences, a French biotechnology company that specializes in developing and manufacturing transfection reagents and other life science research tools. The partnership aimed to develop new vaccine adjuvants that could enhance the efficacy of vaccines and improve patient outcomes.
• In February 2022, the Swiss biopharmaceutical company BioNTech announced a partnership with the French biotech company Innate Pharma to develop and commercialize a new cancer immunotherapy that combines BioNTech's mRNA vaccine technology with Innate Pharma's proprietary NK cell engager technology.
• In November 2021, the US biotechnology company Icosavax announced a merger with the Danish company AdaptVac to form a new company called CorVax. The new company will focus on developing and commercializing vaccines for infectious diseases and cancer using Icosavax's virus-like particle (VLP) technology and AdaptVac's capsid virus-like particle (cVLP) technology.
• In September 2021, the Dutch biotechnology company Intravacc announced a partnership with the German biotech company Leukocare to develop a new COVID-19 vaccine using Intravacc's Vero cell line technology and Leukocare's formulation technology. The two companies will also collaborate on the development of other vaccines and immunotherapies.
• In May 2021, the US biotech company Novavax announced a partnership with the Indian vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India to produce Novavax's COVID-19 vaccine in India. Under the agreement, Serum Institute will manufacture and distribute the vaccine in India and other low- and middle-income countries.

In conclusion, vaccine adjuvants play a crucial role in enhancing the immune response to vaccines and improving their efficacy. Adjuvants are used in a variety of vaccines and have been instrumental in the development of new vaccines against several infectious diseases. Despite concerns about their safety, adjuvants used in vaccines have been extensively tested and proven to be safe and effective in most people. As researchers continue to develop new vaccines and explore new ways to combat infectious diseases, adjuvants will remain an important component in the fight against infectious diseases.