Introduction

As a result of the increasing switch from live-attenuated and killed whole-cell vaccines to subunit antigens, there is a need for novel antigen delivery technologies to improve vaccine efficacy and safety. This report assesses key strategies, technologies and products for vaccine antigen delivery. It provides an overview of opportunities and challenges for the sector and a future outlook.

Scope of this research

• In-depth analysis of key vaccine antigen delivery technologies
• Thorough assessment of the potential for selected vaccine antigen delivery technologies
• Review of industry and academic stakeholder opinions involved in the vaccine antigen delivery sector
• In-depth discussion of key opportunities and risks for novel vaccine antigen delivery technologies

Research and analysis highlights

There is a significant need for novel vaccine antigen delivery technologies following the increasing switch from live-attenuated and killed whole-cell vaccines to subunit antigens. Key drivers for the sector are the need for increased immunogenicity and safety as well as for vaccine formulations combining delivery systems and adjuvant.

Virus-like particles and virosomes, both benefiting from the successful track record of already marketed vaccines, have the best potential in the short- to mid term. ISCOM-based technologies could be valuable for therapeutic vaccines, while liposomes and micro-/nanoparticles will not play a major role for vaccine delivery in the foreseeable future.

Antigen stability, safety and immunogenicity are the key hurdles for novel antigen delivery technologies. In times of restricted healthcare budgets, pricing and manufacturing costs need to be kept to a minimum. The limited understanding of the detailed molecular mechanisms for many technologies poses a further challenge.

Key reasons to purchase this research

• Review profiles of key vaccine antigen delivery technologies both marketed and in clinical development and assess their future potential
• Gain insight into the current state of vaccine antigen delivery technologies and their future opportunities and challenges
• Benefit from opinions of key industry and academic stakeholders in the vaccine antigen delivery field