Promising malaria and dengue vaccines alone will not defeat diseases, says GlobalData Analyst

Despite the optimism surrounding two first-in-class products, Sanofi Pasteur’s live-attenuated dengue vaccine, CYD-TDV, and GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK’s) adjuvanted subunit malaria vaccine, RTS,S/AS01, vaccination alone is not a viable long-term solution for combatting these infectious diseases, says an analyst with research and consulting firm GlobalData.

According to Christopher J. Pace, Ph.D., GlobalData’s Managing Analyst covering Infectious Diseases, some industry pundits rightfully question the modest protective efficacies of CYD-TDV and RTS,S/AS01. Immunisation must therefore be leveraged alongside vector control strategies, national and international surveillance programs, and public awareness campaigns as part of integrated disease prevention and control initiatives.

Immunisation cannot succeed as a ‘silver bullet’ for dengue and malaria

Pace explains, “Upon their anticipated approvals in late 2015, both Sanofi Pasteur’s CYD-TDV and GSK’s RTS,S/AS01 have the potential to begin providing long-awaited relief to billions of people living under the constant threat of dengue and malaria. At the very least, they represent landmark advances in the development of vaccines against these serious arthropod-borne illnesses.

“Nevertheless, GlobalData expects that while vaccines will be an essential component of future dengue and malaria prevention and control efforts, immunisation cannot succeed as a ‘silver bullet’ solution for either disease.”

The analyst adds that renewed vector control efforts, from established methods such as mosquito nets and insecticides, to emerging microbiological and genetic techniques, are especially important to curtailing dengue and malaria transmission.

Both dengue and malaria primarily affect the developing world so companies will need to champion innovative pricing strategies

Pace continues, “There are a number of novel tools on the horizon that will complement vaccines, most notably improved insecticides and innovative microbiological (Walbachia, Chromobacterium [Csp_P]) and genetic (sterile male) vector control technologies, as well as more potent antivirals for dengue and antiparisitics for malaria.”

“The cost of these vaccines will also emerge as a key issue, as both dengue and malaria primarily affect the developing world. Ultimately, GSK and Sanofi Pasteur must work with other stakeholders to champion innovative pricing strategies and encourage vaccine uptake as part of integrated surveillance, prevention, and control programmes to maximise each product’s public health benefit and commercial potential,” the analyst concludes.