Identifying WHO global priority endemic pathogens for vaccine research and development (R&D) using multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA): an objective of the Immunization Agenda 2030.

Abstract

Background: To date, global priorities for new vaccine R&D have not been systematically identified for endemic pathogens. As part of Immunisation Agenda 2030 (IA2030), we have systematically identified priority endemic pathogens for new vaccine R&D based on country and regional stakeholder values to address this need.

Methods: MCDA surveys targeting policy makers and immunisation stakeholders in each World Health Organization (WHO) region were used to weight eight criteria for prioritisation. Applying those weights to regional pathogen data yielded regional top ten pathogen lists, which are intended to inform regional deliberations on R&D priorities. The regional top ten lists were combined into an IA2030 global priority list. To inform R&D, use cases for new vaccines and monoclonal antibodies were identified, then categorized in terms of the activities needed to accelerate progress.

Findings: In five out of six WHO regions, Annual deaths in children under five and Contribution to antimicrobial resistance were the most heavily weighted criteria. How participants weighted the criteria was not associated with their region, biographical characteristics, or areas of expertise. Five pathogens were common priorities across all regions: M tuberculosis, HIV-1, K pneumoniae, S aureus, and Extra-intestinal pathogenic E coli. Six pathogens were priorities in single regions. Combining regional top ten lists provided a global list of 17 priority pathogens for new vaccine R&D. Thirty-four distinct use cases were identified for new products targeting these pathogens. While most are in the "Advance product development" category, ten are in the "Research" category and seven are in the "Prepare to implement" category.

Interpretation: These priorities for new vaccine R&D will help stakeholders better respond to regional and country needs. The use cases will inform R&D and enable monitoring of R&D under IA2030.

Funding: The work was funded by a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant to WHO (INV-005318).