New tuberculosis (TB) vaccines, expected to be available from 2029, could save up to 7.3 million lives globally between 2030 and 2050, according to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
This is stated in a Gavi press release issued on Monday.
The alliance said the vaccines could also generate up to $135 billion in economic benefits across low- and middle-income countries.
Gavi described these potential vaccines as one of the most impactful immunization tools in decades and a breakthrough in the fight against TB, the world’s deadliest infectious disease.
However, Gavi warned that governments and vaccine manufacturers need to start preparations now to ensure sufficient, affordable, and timely supply when the vaccines become available.
Demand in low- and middle-income countries could reach an average of 85 million vaccination courses annually, with higher demand expected in the early years as high-burden countries seek to expand protection to multiple age groups.
“Novel TB vaccines could be the next blockbuster immunization tool, but they will only reach their full potential if we can ensure a sufficient, predictable, and affordable supply for countries with the highest disease burden,” said Gavi CEO Dr. Sania Nishtar.
Nishtar added that Gavi has begun working with partners to prepare for timely access to the vaccines and to help countries secure the necessary quantities.
Gavi reported that an estimated 10.7 million people developed TB, and 1.2 million died from it worldwide in 2024.
The burden falls heavily on low- and middle-income countries, which account for an estimated 77% of all TB deaths supported by Gavi.
The alliance noted that the only currently licensed TB vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is over 100 years old.
While BCG effectively protects infants and young children against severe TB, its protection diminishes over time, underscoring the need for new tools to protect adolescents and adults.
Gavi stated that the new vaccine candidates aim to prevent infectious pulmonary TB among adolescents and adults, potentially strengthening existing control efforts.
Risks such as insufficient funding, demand uncertainty, limited manufacturing capacity, and evidence gaps could delay vaccine introduction, Gavi acknowledged.
To address these challenges, Gavi plans to focus on ensuring a sufficient, timely, and affordable vaccine supply, supporting widespread immunization through routine programs and catch-up campaigns, and promoting a diverse pipeline of vaccine candidates.
Several high-burden countries, including some hosting vaccine trials, are already preparing for vaccine rollout.
Gavi also said it will continue collaborating with partners through the WHO TB Vaccine Accelerator’s Finance and Access Working Group to promote rapid and equitable vaccine access.
Preliminary modeling by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) estimates that 7.3 million lives could be saved if high-risk populations, including adolescents, are targeted through routine immunization and catch-up efforts.
The modeling assumed a 50% efficacy against TB disease, regardless of previous exposure, with immunity waning over 10 years.
