Big Pharma Prioritizes Profits Over Lifesaving TB Vaccine

Core Concepts

The author argues that a pharmaceutical company prioritized profits over developing a lifesaving tuberculosis vaccine, showcasing the challenges in public health vaccine creation.

Abstract

A potential lifesaving tuberculosis vaccine faced delays due to a pharmaceutical giant, GSK, focusing on more profitable vaccines like shingles. Despite successful results preventing TB infections, the company's shift towards lucrative markets left the vaccine in limbo. The story highlights the broken system where corporations prioritize profit over public health needs, leaving millions at risk of deadly diseases.

Stats

The shingles vaccine generated over $14 billion since 2018.
TB kills 1.6 million mostly poor people annually.
GSK patented an adjuvant crucial for malaria and other vaccines.
The FDA approved GSK's shingles vaccine in 2017.
Gates MRI paid GSK $10 million for licensing the TB vaccine.

Quotes

"We don’t ask for a fair deal from our pharma partners." - Mike Frick
"Big Pharma is not the path to saving lives with vaccines." - Steven Reed

Key Insights Distilled From

How a Big Pharma Company Stalled a Potentially Lifesaving Vaccine in Pursuit of Bigger Profits

by Anna Maria B... at www.propublica.org 02-26-2024

https://www.propublica.org/article/how-big-pharma-company-stalled-tuberculosis-vaccine-to-pursue-bigger-profits

Deeper Inquiries

How can governments ensure publicly funded research benefits everyone?

Governments can ensure that publicly funded research benefits everyone by implementing policies and agreements that prioritize the public interest. This includes negotiating contracts with private companies to secure affordable access to resulting products, ensuring transparency in funding allocation, and promoting open access to research findings. Additionally, governments can collaborate with international organizations and other stakeholders to establish guidelines for equitable distribution of resources and knowledge sharing.

What ethical considerations should companies have when prioritizing vaccines?

When prioritizing vaccines, companies should consider ethical principles such as beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy. They have a responsibility to prioritize vaccines based on public health needs rather than solely on profit potential. Companies should also ensure transparency in decision-making processes, engage with stakeholders including healthcare professionals and communities affected by the diseases targeted by the vaccines, and adhere to regulatory standards for safety and efficacy.

How can global health initiatives overcome profit-driven obstacles?

Global health initiatives can overcome profit-driven obstacles by fostering collaboration between public entities, private sector partners, philanthropic organizations, and academic institutions. By working together towards common goals such as improving access to essential medicines and reducing disease burden in underserved populations, these initiatives can leverage diverse expertise and resources. Additionally, advocating for policy changes that incentivize innovation while safeguarding public health interests is crucial in addressing profit-driven barriers to global health equity.