May 20, 2024

Advancements in Shigella Vaccines to Drive Prevention of Dysentery

Shigellosis, commonly known as dysentery, is caused by the Shigella bacterium and remains a major public health challenge globally. Shigella infections typically spread through contaminated food or water and poor sanitation. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fever and digestive illnesses which can potentially lead to severe diarrhea. Given the fact that Shigella bacteria can be transmitted through contaminated surfaces, it is crucial to develop vaccines that offer protection against dysentery. Advancements in Shigella vaccine candidates aim to prevent the infection and curb disease burden worldwide.

Shigella vaccines target the four Shigella species – Shigella dysenteriae, Shigella flexneri, Shigella boydii, and Shigella sonnei that are responsible for producing mild to severe gastrointestinal illness. Development of effective vaccines can control outbreaks and epidemics of Shigella by providing direct protection to vulnerable populations exposed to unsafe water and poor hygiene conditions. Several research institutions are actively engaged in developing viable vaccine options against shigellosis. Some of the promising candidates under clinical development include live-attenuated oral vaccines and injectable conjugate vaccines aimed at conferring long-term immune response.

The global Shigella Vaccines Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 574.20 mn in 2024 and is expected to exhibit a CAGR of 6.4% over the forecast period 2023 to 2030, as highlighted in a new report published by Coherent Market Insights.

Market key trends:
One of the major trends in the shigella vaccines market is the significant research focus on conjugate vaccines. Conjugate vaccines help elicit strong and persistent immune responses along with conferring protection for longer duration compared to traditional vaccines. For instance, researchers are developing a glycoconjugate vaccine containing the O-antigen of Shigella flexneri 2a. Phase 1 clinical trials demonstrate that this vaccine induces robust antibodies that block bacterial infection. Vaccine developers are also investigating multivalent conjugate vaccines to provide broader cross-protection against various shigella serotypes. Advancement of such improved conjugate vaccines holds potential to control shigellosis in high burden regions.

Porter’s Analysis
Threat of new entrants: The threat of new entrants is moderate in the Shigella vaccines market as it requires extensive research and development as well as regulatory approvals to develop and commercialize new Shigella vaccines.

Bargaining power of buyers: The bargaining power of buyers is moderate as the demand for Shigella vaccines is currently limited to certain regions and age groups. However, successful vaccination programmes could increase buyer power.

Bargaining power of suppliers: The bargaining power of suppliers is moderate since major pharmaceutical companies have intellectual property patents over existing vaccines. However, developing new formulations may provide opportunities for new suppliers.

Threat of new substitutes: There are currently no effective substitute treatments for Shigella infection. Antibiotics are used to treat complications but vaccination provides the best strategy for prevention.

Competitive rivalry: The competitive rivalry is high amongst major players in the market given the presence of a few big pharmaceutical companies with strong R&D capabilities and product portfolios.

Key Takeaways
The global Shigella vaccines market is expected to witness high growth over the forecast period of 2023 to 2030.

Regional analysis- Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing regional market. Emerging economies like India, China and others are focused on strengthening their immunization programs. This will drive the demand for Shigella vaccines in the region.

Key players- Key players operating in the Shigella vaccines market are MSD Wellcome Trust Hilleman Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Novartis (Novartis Vaccines Institute for Global Health), and GlaxoSmithKline plc. These companies hold a major share of the market and are continuously investing in R&D of novel vaccines.

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  1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research

2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it