Pertussis Therapeutic Market Trends

Market Driver - Increasing incidence of pertussis in unvaccinated populations

The resurgence of pertussis or whooping cough in the past decade, especially among unvaccinated populations has been a major concern for global public health experts. While pertussis vaccines have dramatically reduced cases in the late 20th century, recent years have witnessed an increase in reported pertussis cases. This rise has predominantly been among children, teenagers as well as adults who were unvaccinated or whose immunity has waned over time. The heightened vulnerability of unvaccinated populations is driving a potential demand for improved preventive options against this disease.

According to CDC reports, the last pertussis epidemic occurred from 2004–2005 and 2019–2020 has seen a sharp uptick in cases across several parts of United States. Many pediatricians point towards smaller percentage of children receiving timely vaccination as the likely cause. Several developed nations too have reported higher incidence among school going children and teenagers. The World Health Organization data suggests that global circulation of pertussis is widespread and disease transmission remains high in many communities despite vaccine coverage being adequate as per standards.

Market Driver - Advancements in vaccine technologies

Vaccine research has made immense progress in past decades; however pertussis vaccine technology has limitations like transient immunity which needs addressing. Scientists are constantly working towards enhancing vaccine performance. Several innovative vaccine platforms and antigen design strategies are being studied that can expedite the development of next generation pertussis vaccines.

One key area of research is developing acellular vaccines combining genetically engineered pertussis toxin mutants with other antigens. Genetic engineering allows production of non- or less-toxic mutants that are suitable as vaccine components. Combining these with immunostimulants holds promise to enhance the magnitude and quality of immune responses. Adjuvanted recombinant vaccines made of multiple antigen components conjugated to immunopotentiators are anticipated to induce improved protection.

Next-generation approaches like reverse vaccinology based on genomic sequences are utilized for identifying novel antigens. Studies have revealed proteins like BrkA, Vag8/9, FHA2 as potential candidates and various combinations are tested for synergistic effects. Newer technologies like protein structure prediction, in silico antigen design aid selection of epitopes that can pack maximum immunogenic firepower.

Market Challenge - High cost associated with new vaccine development

One of the key challenges faced in the pertussis therapeutic market is the high cost associated with new vaccine development. Developing a new vaccine requires extensive research and clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy. This vaccine development process involves long periods of research, testing, regulatory review and approvals. It typically takes 10-15 years for a vaccine candidate to progress from discovery to regulatory approval and introduction in the market. Significant investments are required at each stage of vaccine R&D which pushes up the overall costs. The high capital requirements and risk of failure add to the costs. Additionally, the specialized equipment, facilities and skilled researchers required to develop vaccines add to their production costs. Stringent regulations related to vaccine safety and quality assurance further increase compliance costs for manufacturers. Unforeseen delays or regulatory roadblocks during clinical trials or approvals can significantly increase the costs beyond initial estimates. The incurred costs have to be recovered through final vaccine prices making new vaccines expensive for public health programs in resource constrained markets.

Market Opportunity - Development of next-generation vaccines to enhance immunity

One major opportunity in the pertussis therapeutic market is the development of next-generation vaccines that provide enhanced and longer lasting immunity. Currently available whole cell and acellular pertussis vaccines have limited durability of protection with immunity waning within 5-10 years post vaccination necessitating booster doses. There exists a need for vaccines that induce strong and long lasting immune memory against Bordetella pertussis. Novel conjugate, subunit, recombinant, live-attenuated and mRNA based vaccine platforms are being researched that can stimulate both cell mediated and neutralizing antibody immune responses through precision targeting of virulence factors. Advanced vaccine design approaches incorporating multiple antigens, immune potentiators and novel delivery methods hold promise to induce durable protective immune responses after fewer doses or a single dose vaccination. Development of vaccines that provide lifelong immunity or protection beyond childhood could reduce disease burden significantly and cut healthcare costs related to repeated vaccinations. Next-generation pertussis vaccines also provide opportunities for combination vaccines that protect against multiple respiratory illnesses.