Market Trends of Global Biodefense Industry
The Anthrax Segment is Expected to Witness Healthy Growth in the Market Over the Forecast Period
Anthrax is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. People can get sick with anthrax if they encounter infected animals or contaminated animal products.
The anthrax segment is fueled by factors such as the increased outbreak of anthrax among the human population, favorable government initiatives, and R&D initiatives by companies. For instance, as per the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Communicable Disease Threat Report, in July 2022, the media reported 15 human cases of cutaneous anthrax linked to an anthrax outbreak in cattle in the Sisak-Moslavina County following heavy rain in the area. Furthermore, in July 2022, the Croatian Ministry of Agriculture issued an order containing measures to prevent the emergence and spread of anthrax in the affected area. The measures include closure of affected areas, vaccination of animals, and additional prevention measures relating to humans.
The presence of competitors, mergers, acquisitions, product launches, and R&D initiatives are expected to boost the market growth. For instance, in January 2024, Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (EBS) signed a procurement contract for a maximum value of up to USD 235.8 million with the US Department of Defense (DoD) to supply its anthrax vaccine BioThrax. The vaccine is intended for use by all branches of the US military as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for anthrax disease. This procurement contract is a five-year agreement plan with an extension option up to 2033. Additionally, in January 2023, Emergent BioSolutions Inc. received the US-FDA approval for CYFENDUS (anthrax vaccine adsorbed, adjuvanted), previously known as AV7909, for post-exposure prophylaxis of disease following suspected or confirmed exposure to Bacillus anthracis.
Therefore, the anthrax segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period due to advancements in anthrax detection and manufacturers focusing on contract agreements and receiving approval from the authorities.
North America is Expected to Hold a Significant Market Share Over the Forecast Period
The primary growth drivers of the biodefence market in North America are the increasing investment and initiatives by the government and rapid technological advancements in the country. For instance, as per the 2022 report from the National Association of County and City Health Officials, to address biological threats, the National Health Security Strategy (NHSS) and National Biodefense Strategy (NBS) focused on advancing the US health security enterprise through prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts to combat infectious disease and biological threats.
Additionally, in August 2023, the Department of Defense released the Biodefense Posture Review, outlining reforms aimed at the department's posture to fight and win in the face of future threats. The Biodefense Posture Review was a whole enterprise that came together during COVID-19 response efforts and, building on that collaboration, developed guidance to achieve National Defense Strategy priorities and address biological threats, especially those with strategic consequences for the US military. The high number of initiatives taken by government agencies for biodefense is expected to boost the market expansion during the forecast period.
Furthermore, as per the immediate release in August 2022 from the US Department of Health & Human Services, it facilitated an agreement between Bavarian Nordic and Grand River Aseptic Manufacturing (GRAM), a Michigan-based pharmaceutical contract manufacturer, to establish the first fill and finish line for the JYNNEOS vaccine in the United States. The vaccine is indicated for the prevention of smallpox and monkeypox. Furthermore, as per the news published in May 2022, Public Services and Procurement Canada issued a tender to purchase 500,000 doses of the Imvamune smallpox vaccine on behalf of the Public Health Agency of Canada from 2023 to 2028. The high number of people facing smallpox further raises the need for a smallpox vaccine in Canada, and it is anticipated to increase market expansion during the forecast period.
Therefore, factors such as rapid technological advancements, increasing investments and initiatives by governments, and the rising cases of smallpox in North America are expected to boost market growth over the forecast period.
