British Drug GSK Pharma bets on growing adult vaccine market

British drug company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is betting on power brands, innovative launches in adult vaccines, and a strong recovery in pediatric immunization, to grow double-digit in its key emerging market, India. Armed with legacy brands antibiotic Augmentin, pain and fever medication Calpol and skin ointment Betnovate, its Indian subsidiary, GSK Pharma plans to outperform the segments it has a presence in, and grow market share, the firm's managing director Bhushan Akshikar told in an exclusive interview. Besides following a ``focus brand approach’’ on 10 -14 key drugs and vaccines, the firm is now widening its portfolio of adult vaccines with the launch of shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine, Akshikar, who assumed the top job this month, said.

So far, GSK has focused on mainly pediatric vaccines both in India and globally, but now hopes that the blockbuster shingles vaccine, Shingrix will play a key role. ``The COVID-19 vaccination drive has certainly started a conversation on adult vaccination and given it an impetus. We are a leader in paediatric vaccines and also have a strong adult vaccine portfolio in the country. With increased life expectancy and a growing segment of the elderly population, healthy aging is a big area of focus. A key intervention for healthy aging continues to be preventive health led by vaccination strategies. We currently market the flu vaccine- Fluarix for the elderly and pregnant women, and Boostrix- a DTP (diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus) booster vaccine recommended for pregnant women.

We plan to maintain this position by introducing the new vaccine against shingles for adults in India, next year ’’, he said. At present, GSK markets a range of pediatric vaccines which includes Infanrix Hexa, Havrix, Varilrix, Menveo, Boostrix, and Fluarix in the country. Equipped with more adult vaccines, the nearly Rs 3400-crore company expects the contribution of vaccines to increase over a three-four year period, from the existing 22% of the revenue. Elaborating on prices, he said that the firm will continue to operate in the private market, and intends to pursue a consistent ``India pricing strategy’’.

"We anticipate the new shingles vaccine we aim to launch next year to significantly contribute to the company’s growth in addition to our existing brands", he added. The shingles vaccine, which will be imported, is expected to be a premium-priced shot. The shot was approved by India’s drug regulator recently, and will be launched for the 50-plus population next year. Clinical studies say that it provides protection for 10 years, according to the organization. Globally, GSK’s vaccines business recorded revenues of £2.5 billion in Q3 (July to September) 2022. Global revenues for the Shingles vaccine were up by over 50% to £760 million in the same period. The largest-selling vaccines for the drug biggie are for shingles, influenza and meningitis.