WHO Identifies 17 Priority Pathogens for Vaccine Development

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a study in eBioMedicine that identifies 17 endemic pathogens as priorities for new vaccine development. This comprehensive assessment marks the first global effort to systematically prioritize diseases based on criteria such as regional disease burden, the risk of antimicrobial resistance, and socioeconomic impact.

The WHO report reaffirms the importance of ongoing vaccine research and development (R&D) for diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, which collectively account for nearly 2.5 million deaths annually. Among them, tuberculosis is one of the most dangerous silent killers, responsible for 1.6 million deaths annually, more than HIV and malaria combined, Thierry Bernard, CEO, QIAGEN, told Mexico Business News.

In addition to these well-known diseases, the study highlights pathogens such as Group A streptococcus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, emphasizing their priority status in disease control priorities across various regions. The documented increase in antimicrobial resistance of these pathogens further intensifies the urgency to develop new vaccines. Expanding vaccine use in general could significantly curb the need for antibiotics, reducing global antibiotic consumption by 22%, or 2.5 billion defined daily doses annually, as reported by the WHO.

“Too often, global decisions on new vaccines have been solely driven by return on investment, rather than by the number of lives that could be saved in the most vulnerable communities,” said Kate O’Brien, Director of the Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals Department, WHO. 

To determine which vaccines should be prioritized for development, WHO consulted with international and regional experts. This collaboration focused on identifying the most crucial factors influencing vaccine introduction and use. The resulting analysis, combined with regional data for each pathogen, produced a list of top 10 priority pathogens for each WHO region. These regional lists were then consolidated into a global list, ultimately identifying 17 endemic pathogens that require new vaccines.

The new global priority list supports WHO's Immunization Agenda 2030, which aims to ensure equitable access to vaccines for all populations. This list aims to inform regional and global vaccine R&D agendas and guide academics, funders, manufacturers, and governments toward areas where vaccine development can have the most significant impact.

In Mexico vaccination has been a priority for the new government. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration plans to ensure that every citizen has access to vaccines from birth, as reported by MBN. Recently, the Ministry of Health (SSA) launched the National Vaccination Campaign against Influenza and COVID-19, which will run until March 28, 2025, targeting the upcoming 2024-2025 winter season.

WHO Priority Pathogens for Vaccine Development and Advancement

The following pathogens are categorized based on their current status in vaccine development:

Pathogens Requiring Initial Vaccine Research:

• Group A Streptococcus

• Hepatitis C Virus

• HIV-1

• Klebsiella Pneumoniae

Pathogens with Vaccines in Need of Further Development:

• Cytomegalovirus

• Influenza Virus (Broadly Protective Vaccine)

• Leishmania Species

• Non-Typhoidal Salmonella

• Norovirus

• Plasmodium Falciparum (Malaria)

• Shigella Species

• Staphylococcus Aureus

Pathogens with Vaccines Nearing Regulatory Approval, Policy Recommendation or Introduction:

• Dengue Virus

• Group B Streptococcus

• Extra-Intestinal Pathogenic E. Coli

• Mycobacterium Tuberculosis

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)