Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a bacterial infection caused by a Gram-negative coccus, Neisseria meningitidis. IMD encompasses a spectrum of infections, including meningitis, bacteremia (meningococcemia), and bacteremia pneumonia. Although the frequency of meningococcal disease is modest, it is associated with a high fatality rate of up to 50 percent if left untreated and frequently leads to severe sequelae. Meningococcal meningitis infects the lining of the brain and spinal cord and has the potential to generate massive outbreaks and endemics. The disease is transmitted through direct contact with respiratory or throat secretions of infected or asymptomatic carriers. Twelve serogroups contain several serotypes of Neisseria meningitidis, but just five, A, B, C, W, and Y, are responsible for the majority of illnesses globally.
Vaccination is used to achieve immunization, strengthening the body's immunity to infections. In addition, it aids in preventing diseases, which can cause widespread devastation inside communities. This has resulted in the active participation of governments across the globe in the introduction of numerous vaccinations as part of their national immunization programs. In addition, a number of nations have adopted vaccination schedules for meningococcal vaccines, including dosage schedules for adults and children. For instance, the MenA vaccine has been approved and implemented in nearly 22 countries and is part of routine immunization in eight countries inside the meningitis belt. Thus, an increase in immunization programs contributes to expanding the global market.
An increase in healthcare expenditures due to a rise in concern for the cure and treatment of various bacterial illnesses and the development of cost-effective vaccinations are expected to contribute considerably to the market's growth. In addition, an increase in knowledge regarding early prevention and vaccinations and a rise in physicians' preferences for vaccinations are likely to grow the demand for meningitis vaccines over the projection period. There is profitable potential for meningitis vaccines in emerging economies due to increased childbirths paired with a high risk of infections due to newborns' limited immunity, the high danger associated with meningitis, and growth in immunization awareness. In addition, the rise in disposable income and healthcare spending in developing regions are anticipated to present lucrative prospects for advancing the worldwide meningococcal vaccine market.
North America held the largest market share and is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period. Rising knowledge regarding meningococcal vaccinations among healthcare professionals and patients, a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, and easy product availability drive market expansion in North America. In addition, the easy accessibility of meningococcal vaccinations and their incorporation into routine vaccination programs contribute to developing the North American market. In addition, an increase in outbreaks of other meningococcal serogroups, such as MenC, MenB, and MenW, is a crucial factor in the region's market expansion. For instance, following an epidemic of MenB at San Diego State University (SDSU), SDSU recently stated that all incoming students would be required to be vaccinated against meningococcal serogroup B beginning in the fall of 2019 semester. Due to the increase in outbreaks, the need for meningococcal vaccinations has increased in the region.
Europe is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. The increase in awareness regarding the use of meningococcal vaccines and the increase in the adoption of meningococcal vaccination in Europe contribute to expanding the meningococcal vaccine market. The European meningococcal market is anticipated to grow due to increased disease incidence, an older population, and the need for awareness campaigns. In addition, the meningitis market in the U.K., the Netherlands, France, and Germany is anticipated to experience considerable expansion due to increased demand for cost-effective vaccinations such as Men ACYW, Men B/BC, and Men C/CY, which includes vaccine resistance, safety, and cost-effectiveness. In addition, significant players such as GSK Plc, Pfizer, and Sanofi in the region contribute to the market's growth. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorized GlaxoSmithKline Plc's alternative 2+1 dose schedule for its Bexsero vaccine to protect newborns against invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) caused by serotype B. (meningitis B). In addition, the rise in the use of meningococcal vaccinations in universal regular vaccination programs in the region is a significant driver driving market expansion.
The key players in the global meningococcal vaccine market are GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Sanofi S.A., Pfizer Inc., Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd, Bio-Manguinhos, Bio-Med Pvt. Limited, Chongqing Zhifei Biological Products Co., Ltd., Hualan Biological Engineering Inc., Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd., and Walvax Biotechnology Co., Ltd.