Meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine - Biologic Drug Details

Summary for meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine

Tradenames:	1
High Confidence Patents:	0
Applicants:	1
BLAs:	1
Suppliers: see list	1

Note on Biologic Patents

Matching patents to biologic drugs is far more complicated than for small-molecule drugs.

DrugPatentWatch employs three methods to identify biologic patents:

1. Brand-side disclosures in response to biosimilar applications

These patents were identified from disclosures by the brand-side company, in response to a potential biosimilar seeking to launch. They have a high certainty of blocking biosimilar entry. The expiration dates listed are not estimates — they're expiration dates as indicated by the brand-side company.

2. DrugPatentWatch analysis and brand-side disclosures

These patents were identified from searching drug labels and other general disclosures from the brand-side company. This list may exclude some of the patents which block biosimilar launch, and some of these patents listed may not actually block biosimilar launch. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

3. Patents from broad patent text search

For completeness, these patents were identified by searching the patent literature for mentions of the branded or ingredient name of the drug. Some of these patents protect the original drug, whereas others may protect follow-on inventions or even inventions casually mentioning the drug. The expiration dates listed for these patents are estimates, based on the grant date of the patent.

1) High Certainty: US Patents for meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine Derived from Brand-Side Litigation

No patents found based on brand-side litigation

2) High Certainty: US Patents for meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine Derived from DrugPatentWatch Analysis and Company Disclosures

These patents were obtained from company disclosures

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals	PENBRAYA	meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine	Injection	125770		2038-11-02	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals	PENBRAYA	meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine	Injection	125770		2040-09-24	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals	PENBRAYA	meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine	Injection	125770		2027-02-28	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals	PENBRAYA	meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine	Injection	125770		2033-02-14	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals	PENBRAYA	meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine	Injection	125770		2032-02-03	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals	PENBRAYA	meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine	Injection	125770		2032-02-01	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures
Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals	PENBRAYA	meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine	Injection	125770		2033-03-06	DrugPatentWatch analysis and company disclosures

3) Low Certainty: US Patents for meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine Derived from Patent Text Search

These patents were obtained by searching patent claims

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Patent No.	Estimated Patent Expiration	Source

International Patents for meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration
Canada	2650642
New Zealand	564606
Portugal	2258716
European Patent Office	3327028
European Patent Office	2261355
Australia	2017210600
Portugal	2411048

Supplementary Protection Certificates for meningococcal groups a, b, c, w and y vaccine

Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration	SPC Description
122013000055	Germany		PRODUCT NAME: NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS GRUPPE B NHBA FUSIONSPROTEIN; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/13/812/001-004 20130114
CR 2013 00032	Denmark		PRODUCT NAME: NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS GRUPPE B NHBA FUSIONSPROTEIN; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/12/812/001-004 20130114
13C0039	France		PRODUCT NAME: PROTEINE DE FUSION NHBA DE NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS B; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/12/812/001 20130114
22C1008	France		PRODUCT NAME: POLYOSIDE DE NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS DE GROUPE A, POLYOSIDE DE NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS DE GROUPE C, POLYOSIDE DE NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS DE GROUPE W-135, POLYOSIDE DE NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS DE GROUPE Y, CONJUGUES A L'ANATOXINE TETANIQUE EN TANT QUE PROTEINE VECTRICE; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/12/767 20120425
1390035-2	Sweden		PRODUCT NAME: NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS GRUPP B NHBA-FUSIONSPROTEIN; REG. NO/DATE: EU/1/13/812/001 20130114
C 2012 025	Romania		PRODUCT NAME: POLIZAHARIDA DE NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS GRUP A CONJUGATELA O PROTEINA PURTATOR FOLOSIND02, EU/1/12/767/003, EU/1/12/767/004, EU/1/12/767/005, EU/1/12/767/006, EU/1/12/767/007; DATE OF NATIONAL AUTHORISATION: 20120420; NUMBER OF FIRST AUTHORISATION IN EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA): EU/1/12/767/001, EU/1/12/767/002, EU/1/12/767/003, EU/1/12/767/004, EU/1/12/767/005, EU/1/12/767/006, EU/1/12/767/007; DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION IN EEA: 20120420 REACTIA DE CONDENSARE ACARBODIIMIDEI; NATIONAL AUTHORISATION NUMBER: EU/1/12/767/001, EU/1/12/767/0
36/2013	Austria		PRODUCT NAME: REKOMBINANTES NHBA-FUSIONSPROTEIN VON NEISSERIA MENINGITIDIS DER GRUPPE B; REGISTRATION NO/DATE: EU/1/12/812/001-004 (MITTEILUNG) 20130118

Market Dynamics and Financial Trajectory for the Meningococcal Groups A, B, C, W, and Y Vaccine

Last updated: November 12, 2025

Introduction

The meningococcal vaccine market is a critical segment within the broader infectious disease therapeutics sector, driven by increasing global disease burden, evolving epidemiology, and advances in vaccine technology. The multivalent meningococcal vaccines targeting groups A, B, C, W, and Y are at the forefront of this landscape, addressing both endemic and epidemic meningococcal diseases across diverse populations. This analysis explores the current market dynamics, future growth prospects, and financial trajectories shaping this vital therapeutics category.

Epidemiological Background and Disease Burden

Meningococcal disease, caused by the Neisseria meningitidis bacteria, manifests primarily as meningitis and septicemia, with rapid progression and high mortality if untreated. The disease predominantly affects children, adolescents, and young adults, with certain age groups and geographic regions experiencing higher incidences.

• Global burden: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), meningococcal disease results in approximately 100,000 cases annually worldwide, with significant case fatality rates and long-term sequelae among survivors [1].

• Serogroup distribution: The prevalence of specific serogroups varies geographically. For example, serogroup A historically caused large epidemics in the African meningitis belt (Sub-Saharan Africa), but vaccination campaigns have drastically reduced its incidence. Serogroups B and C dominate in North America and Europe, while W and Y have gained prominence in recent years.

This epidemiological shift underscores the importance of broad-spectrum vaccines capable of targeting multiple serogroups for comprehensive disease control.

Market Drivers

Several factors propel the growth of the meningococcal vaccine market:

1. Global Public Health Initiatives: Organizations like WHO and GAVI prioritize meningococcal vaccination in endemic regions, especially in Africa's meningitis belt. The success of mass vaccination campaigns has increased demand for multivalent vaccines.

2. Rising Incidence and Outbreaks: Increased recognition, improved diagnostics, and surveillance have documented outbreaks fueled by specific serogroups. Governments and health agencies seek effective vaccines to prevent these outbreaks.

3. Vaccine Accessibility and Coverage: Expanded access through initiatives like GAVI has boosted vaccination rates in low-income countries, translating into higher market demand.

4. Enhanced Vaccine Formulations: Advances in conjugate and recombinant technologies enable development of multivalent vaccines with improved immunogenicity and safety profiles.

5. Regulatory Approvals and Recommendations: Endorsements by health authorities — such as CDC's immunization schedules and WHO prequalification — enhance market confidence and uptake.

Key Players and Product Landscape

The market comprises both established pharmaceutical companies and emerging biotech firms:

• Pfizer/BioNTech: Developed BNT162b2 (Comirnaty), which demonstrated efficacy in emerging meningococcal candidates, with ongoing development for multivalent formulations.

• GSK: Marketed Menveo (quadrivalent conjugate vaccine) and Bexsero (serogroup B vaccine), with continual investments in developing broad-spectrum formulations.

• Sanofi: Offers Menactra (quadrivalent), with efforts focused on expanding vaccine indications and formulations.

• JNJ and others: Engage in vaccine research and development, with some collaborations focusing on novel adjuvants and delivery platforms.

The landscape is characterized by ongoing R&D efforts to improve coverage, duration of immunity, and manufacturing scalability.

Technological and Product Development Trends

The evolution of meningococcal vaccines centers on the following innovations:

• Conjugate Vaccines: Linking polysaccharide antigens to carrier proteins to induce long-lasting immunity, especially effective in infants and immunocompromised populations.

• Serogroup B Vaccines: Use of factor H-binding protein (fHbp) and other recombinant antigens to target serogroup B, circumventing polysaccharide similarity with human neural tissue.

• Pentavalent and Hexavalent Formulations: Enhancing protection by including additional serogroups or combining meningococcal vaccines with other pediatric vaccines.

• Thermostability and Delivery Innovations: Facilitating cold chain independence and ease of administration, especially crucial for low-resource settings.

Market Dynamics and Economic Trajectory

Market Size and Forecast (2023-2030)

The global meningococcal vaccine market was valued at approximately USD 1.4 billion in 2022, with projections estimating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7-9% through 2030 [2].

Factors influencing this growth include:

• Expanding vaccination programs in developing countries.
• Introduction of multivalent conjugate vaccines with broader serogroup coverage.
• Increased awareness and surveillance, driving policy changes and immunization recommendations.
• Postlicensure data demonstrating vaccine safety, efficacy, and herd immunity benefits.

Regional Dynamics

• North America and Europe: Mature markets driven by integrated public and private immunization programs, with steady adoption of multivalent vaccines.
• Asia-Pacific: Rapid growth due to expanding healthcare infrastructure, rising disease awareness, and government immunization initiatives.
• Africa and Latin America: Market expansion fueled by philanthropic initiatives, GAVI funding, and regional vaccination campaigns.

Pricing and Reimbursements

Pricing strategies vary by region, influenced by manufacturing costs, license fees, and healthcare policies. Gavi subsidies and government immunization programs often subsidize vaccine costs in low-income settings, supporting adoption.

Financial Trajectory and Investment Outlook

Investment patterns reflect the promising but competitive landscape:

• R&D investments aim at expanding serogroup coverage, improving immunogenicity, and reducing dosing schedules.
• Strategic partnerships help accelerate clinical development, manufacturing, and market access.
• Potential blockbuster status for broad-spectrum, conjugate multivalent vaccines positions companies for significant revenue generation.

The transition from monovalent to multivalent formulations is expected to enhance sales volumes and profitability. Patent protection and regulatory exclusivities will influence competitive dynamics and revenue streams in the short to medium term.

Regulatory and Market Challenges

• Serogroup Variability: Future shifts in dominant serogroups necessitate continuous surveillance and vaccine reformulation.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Particularly in resource-constrained settings, vaccine affordability impacts market penetration.
• Public Perception and Vaccine Hesitancy: Misinformation and safety concerns may impede adoption.
• Manufacturing Capacity: Scaling up to meet global demand remains a logistical and operational challenge.

Conclusion

The meningococcal groups A, B, C, W, and Y vaccine market exhibits robust growth driven by technological innovations, public health imperatives, and expanding immunization programs across the globe. The financial trajectory forecasts sustained CAGR with opportunities for premium pricing of advanced multivalent formulations. Strategic investments, collaborative R&D, and proactive market access strategies will be critical for stakeholders aiming to capitalize on this expanding market landscape.

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Key Takeaways

• The global meningococcal vaccine market is projected to grow at a CAGR of approximately 8% through 2030, driven by expanded immunization programs and technological innovations.
• Multivalent conjugate vaccines targeting groups A, B, C, W, and Y are central to current and future expansion, with ongoing R&D focused on broadening serogroup coverage and improving immunogenicity.
• Market growth is most pronounced in low- and middle-income regions, supported by GAVI funding and regional vaccination campaigns.
• Innovations such as thermostable formulations and simplified dosing schedules will enhance vaccine accessibility, especially in resource-poor settings.
• Competitive landscape advancements and regulatory approvals will influence market share, with established players investing heavily in vaccine reformulation and strategic partnerships.

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FAQs

1. What are the primary factors driving demand for meningococcal vaccines globally?
The main drivers include increasing disease awareness, rising outbreak incidences, explosive epidemics in endemic regions, and governmental and organization-led vaccination initiatives.

2. How do multivalent meningococcal vaccines differ from monovalent ones?
Multivalent vaccines target multiple serogroups simultaneously, offering broader protection, reducing the need for multiple injections, and enhancing coverage in diverse epidemiological settings.

3. What challenges could hinder the growth of the meningococcal vaccine market?
Challenges include serogroup variability, high vaccine costs, vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues in vaccine delivery, and the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance to inform vaccine composition.

4. Which regions represent the most significant growth opportunities in this market?
Asia-Pacific and African regions represent high-growth opportunities due to expanding immunization programs, increasing healthcare infrastructure, and funding from organizations like GAVI.

5. What technological advancements are expected to shape the future of meningococcal vaccines?
Emerging trends include reverse vaccinology-based antigen discovery, thermostable formulations, combination vaccines, and novel delivery platforms (e.g., nanoparticle-based vaccines).

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References

[1] WHO. Meningococcal disease. World Health Organization; 2022.
[2] MarketsandMarkets. Meningococcal Vaccines Market by Product, Age Group, Distribution Channel, and Region - Global Forecast to 2030. 2023.