This won’t hurt a bit
Health systems around the world prefer prevention to treatment. But although the outlook in the vaccine sector is bright, it’s in the midst of a major restructure. Big Pharma companies are still consolidating business around blockbuster products, and kicking out vaccines with smaller revenue streams. “Small companies can pick up these niche products and bring them back to success with a small and dedicated team,” says President and CEO of Valneva SE Thomas Lingelbach.
Realignment of an industry
There’s no question that the market is in disarray. Swiss leader Novartis is preparing to swap practically its entire vaccines business unit (valued at over US$7bn) for GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) oncology franchise (around US$16bn). Vaccines major Baxter International has announced that it will be exiting the vaccines business. One of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen Pharmaceuticals companies, Crucell began to reorganise business early in 2014 and will phase out commercial operations relating to its influenza and hepatitis A business. While Big Pharma companies are busy rethinking their vaccines business strategies, specialised biotech companies are using the chance to jump on the bandwagon.
Read the full background on vaccines in our print magazine!
- Overview over the European vaccine industry
- Interview with Thomas Lingelbach, President and CEO of Valneva SE
- The Global Vaccine Initiative (GAVI) and its supporters
- Selected vaccine development programmes in European SMEs
- Outline of cancer vaccine development