A groundbreaking study released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) in eBioMedicine has identified 17 endemic pathogens as top priorities for new vaccine creation. This marks the first global initiative to systematically rank endemic pathogens based on factors such as regional disease burden, antimicrobial resistance risk, and socioeconomic impact.
The research reaffirms long-standing vaccine research and development (R&D) priorities, including HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis – three diseases that collectively claim nearly 2.5 million lives annually.
Additionally, the study highlights pathogens like Group A streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae as critical disease control priorities across all regions, underscoring the pressing need to develop new vaccines for pathogens increasingly resistant to antimicrobials.
Dr. Kate O’Brien, Director of the Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals Department at WHO, stated, “Global decisions on new vaccines have often been driven primarily by return on investment, rather than by the potential to save lives in vulnerable communities. This study utilizes extensive regional expertise and data to evaluate vaccines that could significantly reduce diseases impacting communities today while also lessening the financial burden on families and health systems.”
The WHO engaged international and regional experts to identify the most crucial factors in vaccine introduction and use decisions. By analyzing these preferences alongside regional data for each pathogen, they created top 10 priority lists for each WHO region. These regional lists were then consolidated to form a global list of 17 priority endemic pathogens requiring new vaccine R&D.
This new global priority list supports the Immunization Agenda 2030’s goal of ensuring universal access to vaccines that protect against serious diseases. It provides an equitable and transparent evidence base for setting regional and global agendas for new vaccine R&D and manufacturing, offering clear direction for academics, funders, manufacturers, and countries on where vaccine R&D could have the most significant impact.
This global prioritization exercise for endemic pathogens complements the WHO R&D blueprint for epidemics, which identified priority pathogens that could cause future epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19 or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
The findings are part of WHO’s broader efforts to identify and support immunization program research priorities in low- and middle-income countries, inform the global vaccine R&D agenda, and strategically advance the development and uptake of priority vaccines, particularly against pathogens causing the largest public health burden and greatest socioeconomic impact.
The WHO Priority Endemic Pathogens List includes:
Pathogens requiring vaccine research:
– Group A streptococcus
– Hepatitis C virus
– HIV-1
– Klebsiella pneumoniae
Pathogens needing further vaccine development:
– Cytomegalovirus
– Influenza virus (broadly protective vaccine)
– Leishmania species
– Non-typhoidal Salmonella
– Norovirus
– Plasmodium falciparum (malaria)
– Shigella species
– Staphylococcus aureus
Pathogens with vaccines approaching regulatory approval, policy recommendation, or introduction:
– Dengue virus
– Group B streptococcus
– Extra-intestinal pathogenic E. coli
– Mycobacterium tuberculosis
– Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Commentary by YourDailyFit columnist Alice Winters:
The World Health Organization’s recent study on priority pathogens for vaccine development marks a significant shift in global health strategy. This comprehensive analysis not only reaffirms the urgency of addressing long-standing health threats like HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis but also sheds light on emerging concerns that demand immediate attention.
Of particular note is the inclusion of Group A streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae as top priorities across all regions. This underscores the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance, a looming crisis that could render many of our current medical interventions ineffective. The emphasis on these pathogens serves as a stark reminder that our arsenal against infectious diseases needs constant innovation and expansion.
The study’s methodology, which incorporates regional expertise and data, represents a more holistic and equitable approach to global health priorities. By considering factors beyond mere profitability, such as disease burden and socioeconomic impact, the WHO is advocating for a more balanced and ethical framework for vaccine development. This approach could potentially lead to more targeted and effective health interventions in vulnerable communities that have historically been overlooked by profit-driven research agendas.
However, the challenge lies in translating these priorities into action. The list spans a wide range of pathogens at various stages of vaccine development, from those requiring initial research to those on the brink of regulatory approval. This diversity demands a flexible and sustained commitment from the global health community, including researchers, funders, and policymakers.
Moreover, the inclusion of pathogens like hepatitis C and HIV-1 in the research-needed category, despite decades of intensive study, highlights the complexity of vaccine development for certain diseases. It serves as a sobering reminder of the scientific hurdles that remain in our quest to combat some of the world’s most persistent health threats.
In conclusion, while this prioritization is a crucial step forward, it is merely the beginning. The real test will be in mobilizing resources, fostering international cooperation, and maintaining momentum across all stages of vaccine development. Only through sustained, collaborative efforts can we hope to turn this list from a set of priorities into a catalog of achievements in global health protection.
