Hyd to lead production of India’s first malaria vaccine

Hyderabad has taken center stage in India’s fight against malaria, with Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL) set to lead the production of the country’s first indigenous malaria vaccine. The development follows a landmark technology transfer agreement with global pharma major GSK and non-profit organization PATH, enabling Bharat Biotech to manufacture the world’s first malaria vaccine, RTS,S (Mosquirix).

Under the agreement, Bharat Biotech will produce the vaccine’s antigen component, while GSK continues supplying the critical AS01E adjuvant. By 2029, Bharat Biotech is expected to become the sole global supplier of the vaccine, further cementing Hyderabad’s reputation as India’s vaccine capital.

Affordability and access form the cornerstone of this initiative. In partnership with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Bharat Biotech and GSK have pledged to cut the price of RTS,S to under $5 per dose by 2028—slashing costs by more than half. This will significantly improve vaccine access in malaria-endemic regions, especially across Africa and South Asia, where the disease remains a major public health threat.

The move not only underscores Bharat Biotech’s expanding global footprint but also strengthens Hyderabad’s role as a hub for vaccine innovation and production. With enhanced manufacturing capacity and a focus on global health equity, the city is poised to play a transformative role in combating one of the world’s deadliest diseases.