Vaccine Adjuvants Market Assessment, By Product Type [Mineral Salt-based Adjuvant, Tensoactive Adjuvants, Adjuvant Emulsions, Liposome Adjuvants, Carbohydrate Adjuvants, Bacteria-derived Adjuvants, Virus-like Particles, Others], By Route of Administration

Vaccine Adjuvants Market Assessment, By Product Type [Mineral Salt-based Adjuvant, Tensoactive Adjuvants, Adjuvant Emulsions, Liposome Adjuvants, Carbohydrate Adjuvants, Bacteria-derived Adjuvants, Virus-like Particles, Others], By Route of Administration [Subcutaneous, Intramuscular], Disease Type [Infectious Diseases, Cancer], By Application [Research Applications, Commercial Applications], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global vaccine adjuvants market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.95% during the forecast period 2024-2031F, growing from USD 1.33 billion in 2023 to USD 2.84 billion in 2031. The global vaccine adjuvants market is witnessing substantial growth driven by several key factors. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases has led to a rising demand for vaccines, propelling market expansion. Technological advancements in biotechnology are also playing a significant role in driving the market forward. Moreover, increased government funding and investments in research and development activities are fueling this growth trajectory. Strategic collaborations and partnerships among key industry players are also acting as crucial factors contributing to the market's expansion. Vaccine adjuvants enhance immunogenicity, leading to more effective vaccines with reduced antigen content, crucial for mass vaccination campaigns. However, challenges like side effects and toxicity associated with some adjuvants, particularly aluminum adjuvants, which can cause local injection site reactions and allergic responses hinder the market. Additionally, the concern for public health and safety may limit the adoption of certain adjuvants if they pose risks or potential harm to individuals receiving them.

In October 2023, after careful evaluation, the World Health Organization (WHO) approved the use of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine. Developed by the University of Oxford, the Serum Institute of India, and leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology, the vaccine has met strict standards for safety, quality, and effectiveness. Experts from the WHO's independent advisory groups, SAGE and MPAG, conducted a thorough review and found that the vaccine is effective and safe. Clinical trials in various regions with different malaria transmission rates have demonstrated its efficacy.

Growing Demand for Vaccines, Biopharmaceuticals, and Therapy Products

More vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, and therapies are needed than ever before. COVID-19 has made vaccines even more essential, both now and in the future. Vaccine adjuvants are essential components of vaccines and increasing the use of vaccines will ultimately enhance the demand for vaccine adjuvants. In the medical sector, biopharmaceuticals, gene therapies, and cell therapies are becoming more and more popular. Factors, such as population growth, escalating disease prevalence, pandemic threats, post-COVID readiness measures, and heightened public awareness, are driving the demand for vaccine adjuvants in the upcoming years.

As per the WHO report published in May 2023, between the years 2019 and 2021, a significant increase in the consumption of vaccines has been observed. The adult vaccines segment grew by 15%, pediatric vaccines registered a growth of 8%, and vaccines used for adolescents registered a growth of 7%. This data does not consider COVID-19 vaccines, but still, a significant change in demand can be seen.

Growing Prevalence of Infectious Diseases

The prevalence of infectious diseases is increasing due to several factors, including climate change, rapid urbanization, and changes in land-use patterns. These factors contribute to the emergence of new diseases, the re-emergence of old diseases, and the spread of existing diseases. Technological changes, such as improved health care and global travel, also contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Additionally, demographic changes, such as population growth and migration, can increase the risk of disease emergence. As the prevalence of infectious diseases increases, the demand for vaccines rises, subsequently enhancing the market demand for vaccine adjuvants as they are essential components of the finished vaccines. The World Health Organization estimates that approximately one-third of annual deaths worldwide are attributed to infectious diseases, with acute respiratory tract infections, gastrointestinal infections, tuberculosis, and malaria causing most of the illnesses and mortality worldwide.

For instance, as per the data published by Worldometers, over 703 million COVID-19 cases were reported till February 2024, along with 69 million deaths reported. COVID-19 has been the most contagious and lethal infectious disease in recent times.

Carbohydrate-based Adjuvants are Fastest Growing

Carbohydrate-based adjuvants are becoming increasingly popular in vaccine development. They are considered safe and compatible with the body, and they can trigger and control immune responses. These adjuvants help make vaccines more effective by boosting the body's immune response when used with subunit vaccines. Natural and synthetic carbohydrates have been tested as adjuvants in clinical trials, and some have been approved for use in human vaccines. Carbohydrate-based adjuvants offer several advantages, including being highly compatible with the body, well-tolerated, and having a good safety record. These factors make them promising candidates for use as adjuvants in vaccines.

Infectious Disease to be the Leading Disease Type

The infectious disease segment is expected to be the leading disease type for utilizing vaccines for treatment purposes. A variety of vaccines are available in the market for infectious diseases like hepatitis, polio, tetanus, and influenza. Vaccines are highly effective in infectious diseases because they provide long-lasting immunity, protect against severe illness and death, and reduce the spread of the disease within a population. Vaccines work by imitating an infection, engaging the body’s natural immune response, and providing protection without the dangers of a full-blown infection. Vaccines are more effective in infectious diseases because they target specific pathogens, and their development is based on the characteristics of the pathogen, such as antigenic stability, serotype, and the presence of diagnostic tests or clinical criteria for measuring disease burden.

In May 2023, GSK announced the US Food and Drug Administration’s approval for its Arexvy (respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, adjuvanted) meant for the prevention of lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) caused due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in patients of 60 years of age and older. Arexvy is the world’s first RSV vaccine for elders to be approved.

North America to be the Dominating Region

North America’s leadership in the vaccine adjuvant market stems from several key reasons. Governments are investing heavily in research, and companies within the industry are partnering to achieve breakthroughs. The region’s healthcare system is well-developed, with a focus on preventive care. This encourages the use of adjuvanted vaccines, which make vaccines more effective and are thoroughly tested before being approved. This reflects the region’s commitment to preventive healthcare measures. Additionally, the region’s strong regulatory framework ensures the safety and efficacy of adjuvanted vaccines, further boosting market confidence. US FDA considers vaccine adjuvant as a part of the vaccine and not as a separate entity, thus separate approval for vaccine adjuvant is not required.

Future Market Scenario

The future of vaccine adjuvants is expected to focus on the development of new, more effective, and safer adjuvants. Research is being conducted to create adjuvants that can enhance the immune response to vaccines, particularly for subunit vaccines, which are often less effective at generating a robust immune response. New adjuvants are being developed from natural resources and synthetic components, to improve safety and protective efficacy. Technologies, such as nanotechnologies and molecular biology, are being used to improve vaccine efficacy, and adjuvants are being designed to stimulate immune responses in a more targeted manner. Additionally, systems vaccinology approaches are being used to assess and characterize new adjuvant systems, which may help in the rational design of vaccines in the future.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Brenntag Biosector A/S, OZ Biosciences, Agenus, Inc., Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., SEPPIC, Inc., Novavax, Inc., and MPV Technologies are some of the key players in the vaccine adjuvants market. These companies are actively involved in the production and advancement of vaccine adjuvants, contributing to the growth and innovation within the industry. The market is competitive, with a focus on enhancing vaccine efficacy, reducing production costs, and developing safer and more effective vaccines through ongoing advancements in technology and formulations.

In February 2024, DTRA's JSTO awarded a USD 31 million, 5-year contract to Ginkgo Bioworks and SaponiQx through the MCDC program to develop cutting-edge vaccine adjuvants. Ginkgo, specializing in cell programming and biosecurity, and SaponiQx, with its innovative adjuvant platform, have been collaborating on this project since 2021.