New TB Vaccines Could Save 7.3m Lives Globally by 2050 — Gavi

New tuberculosis vaccines expected to become available from 2029 could save up to 7.3 million lives worldwide between 2030 and 2050, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, has said.

Gavi disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the vaccines could also generate up to $135 billion in economic benefits across low- and middle-income countries.

The alliance described the prospective vaccines as potentially among the most significant new immunisation tools in decades, particularly in the fight against tuberculosis, one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.

However, Gavi warned that governments, vaccine manufacturers and development partners must begin preparations now to ensure adequate, affordable and timely supplies once the vaccines become available.

According to the alliance, demand across low- and middle-income countries could average 85 million vaccination courses annually, with higher demand likely during the initial rollout as countries with a high TB burden seek to protect multiple age groups.

“Novel TB vaccines could be the next blockbuster immunisation tool; however, they will only realise their potential if we can ensure sufficient, predictable and affordable supply for those countries with the highest disease burden,” Gavi Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sania Nishtar, said.

Nishtar said Gavi had begun working with partners to prepare for the introduction of the vaccines and ensure countries could secure the quantities needed.

Gavi said an estimated 10.7 million people developed TB globally in 2024, while about 1.2 million died from the disease.

It noted that low- and middle-income countries bore the greatest burden, with Gavi-supported countries accounting for an estimated 77 per cent of global TB deaths.

The alliance said the only currently licensed TB vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guérin, commonly known as BCG, is more than 100 years old.

While BCG provides effective protection for infants and young children against severe forms of TB, Gavi said its protection wanes over time, underscoring the need for vaccines capable of protecting adolescents and adults.

The new vaccine candidates are designed to prevent infectious pulmonary TB among adolescents and adults and could significantly strengthen existing disease-control measures.

Gavi identified inadequate financing, uncertainty over demand, limited manufacturing capacity and gaps in evidence as major challenges that could delay the introduction of the vaccines.

To address the challenges, the alliance said it would work to ensure sufficient, timely, affordable and sustainable vaccine supplies while supporting widespread uptake through routine immunisation and targeted catch-up campaigns.

It will also encourage the development of a competitive and geographically diverse pipeline of new TB vaccine candidates.

According to Gavi, several high-burden countries, including some hosting vaccine trials, have already begun preparations for the eventual rollout.

The alliance said it would continue working with partners through the World Health Organisation TB Vaccine Accelerator’s Finance and Access Working Group to promote rapid and equitable access to the vaccines.

Gavi said preliminary modelling by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine formed the basis of the projection that up to 7.3 million lives could be saved between 2030 and 2050.