Plant-Based Vaccines Market Size
| Study Period | 2021 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 1.20 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 1.8 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 8.62 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
| Largest Market | North America |
| Market Concentration | Medium |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Plant-Based Vaccines Market Analysis
The Plant-Based Vaccines Market size is estimated at USD 1.20 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.62% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
Plant-based vaccines are produced using plants as bioreactors to express antigens or proteins that stimulate an immune response. Unlike traditional vaccines that use animal cells, bacteria, or yeast for protein production, plant-based vaccines involve genetically modifying plants to produce the desired proteins. These antigens can then be harvested and purified to create vaccines to prevent diseases. Several key factors driving the demand for plant-based vaccines are advancements in plant-based virus vaccines and technological advancements in vaccine production.
The rise in infectious diseases, such as avian influenza, and the growing demand for safer, more cost-effective vaccines have propelled interest in plant-based vaccines. These vaccines offer numerous advantages, particularly in regions with limited resources, by combining affordability, speed of production, and scalability. For instance, Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council’s (BBSRC) in February 2024, in the development of VLP-based plant vaccines, Nicotiana benthamiana was employed to produce the haemagglutinin (HA) proteins of the H5 and H9 viruses, significant strains causing economic losses in poultry. These vaccines have shown promise in preclinical trials, demonstrating effective immune responses in both mice and chickens. The production of VLPs in plants offers several benefits: rapid manufacturing, low-cost infrastructure, and the ability to adapt vaccines to local virus strains quickly.
Moreover, in regions like Egypt, where co-circulating strains of H5N8 and H9N2 have posed severe threats to poultry, the development of these plant-based vaccines represents a crucial advancement. This factor will increase the demand for plant-based vaccines in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and thereby drive the overall plant-based vaccine market.
In addition, plant-based technologies have emerged as a promising solution in the race to accelerate vaccine production. For instance, in February 2024, LenioBio GmbH, a biotech company based in Düsseldorf, Germany supported by funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), LenioBio is testing a revolutionary plant-based, cell-free technology called ALiCE (Almost Living Cell-Free Expression). This technology uses plant cell extracts to rapidly produce proteins, a process that could reduce vaccine protein production time to as little as 20 days, which is an astonishing improvement over conventional methods like cell cultures, which can take months. Such plant-based vaccine production technologies represent a driving force in the plant-based vaccines market.
Therefore, the plant-based vaccines market is driven by advancements in biotechnology, cost-effectiveness, and the growing demand for vaccines. However, the regulatory challenges and limited commercialization restrain market growth.
Plant-Based Vaccines Market Trends
Viral Vaccine Segment is Expected to Witness Significant Growth Over the Forecast Period
A viral plant-based vaccine is a specific type of plant-based vaccine designed to protect against viral infections. It is produced by genetically engineering plants or plant cells to express viral antigens, which are proteins derived from the virus that elicit an immune response.
Plant-based platforms have gained traction as an efficient method for producing VLPs. Unlike traditional methods that rely on mammalian or insect cell systems, plant-based platforms offer a rapid, scalable, and cost-effective alternative. For instance, according to a study published in the Health Sciences Review in December 2023, VLPs produced using plants are particularly well-suited for responding to the fast-mutating nature of viruses like SARS-CoV-2, as they can be engineered to present the key antigens necessary for immune recognition while maintaining a high safety profile.
Also, as per the same source mentioned above, VLP-based vaccines have shown promising results in preclinical studies and clinical trials, generating robust and long-lasting immune responses. Their ability to present viral antigens in a native-like conformation helps produce neutralizing antibodies that can more effectively target viral variants. This factor will contribute to the segment’s growth in the market.
Moreover, the plant-based ZIKV vaccine is a promising candidate in the viral vaccine segment within the plant-based vaccine market. For instance, according to a study published in the Nature Review in December 2023, researchers successfully developed a plant-based vaccine using Nicotiana benthamiana to transiently express the ZIKV envelope protein (ZikaEnv). This plant-based vaccine induced both humoral and cellular immune responses at low doses of 1–5 μg, making it a potent and efficient solution. Moreover, antigen-specific and neutralizing antibodies were vertically transferred from immunized females to their offspring, ensuring both protection against ZIKV and cross-protection against Dengue virus infection. This dual benefit highlights the competitive edge of plant-based vaccines in addressing Zika and also related viral threats.
Hence, the viral vaccine segment within the plant-based vaccine market continues to evolve with promising innovations, such as engineered VLP-based vaccines for different virus infections, which are expected to drive the segment in the market.
North America is Expected to Dominate the Plant-Based Vaccines Market
The North American plant-based vaccine market is gaining traction due to increasing demand for alternative, more sustainable, and scalable vaccine production methods. Key drivers include advancements in biotechnology, growing awareness of eco-friendly solutions, and the potential for rapid production in response to pandemics. The market is expected to grow as more vaccines progress through clinical trials and regulatory approvals.
In the United States, advancements in plant-based vaccines are poised to fuel substantial growth in the market. For example, according to a study reviewed by Arizona State University in March 2023, advancements underscore the potential of plant-based vaccines such as the COVIFENZ COVID-19 vaccine produced in Nicotiana benthamiana. This vaccine demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of plant-derived vaccines in real-world applications. Moreover, several plant-based influenza vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials, further highlighting the promise of this technology in combating viral infections.
The development of plant-based vaccines targeting viral diseases is a significant advancement in the plant-based vaccine market. For instance, according to a study published in the Smart Mat in January 2024, the Ebola vaccine, produced in Nicotiana benthamiana and known as Zmapp, has successfully completed Phase 2/3 clinical trials and received FDA approval in 2022, demonstrating promising efficacy and safety. Such instances highlight the potential of plant-based platforms to produce effective viral vaccines, paving the way for innovative solutions in disease prevention and contributing to the overall growth of the plant-based vaccine market.
In addition, Canada is taking decisive steps to enhance its domestic pandemic preparedness by investing in innovative plant-based vaccine technologies. For instance, in December 2023, the Government of Canada announced that Aramis Biotechnologies had secured the assets necessary to maintain, improve, and expand the plant-based vaccine platform originally developed by Medicago. This follows Medicago’s closure earlier in the year by its parent company, Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation (MCG). Canada's goals were to preserve Medicago's intellectual property, retain critical research assets and talent in the country, and attract third-party investors to sustain and expand the platform. Therefore, the retention of this platform is crucial for responding to future health emergencies and also for driving the plant-based vaccine market in Canada.
Therefore, the focus on regulatory compliance, advancement in plant-based vaccines, and expanding platforms is poised to drive the North American region in the plant-based vaccines market.
Plant-Based Vaccines Industry Overview
The plant-based vaccines market is semi-consolidated due to fewer dominant companies and research institutions that are leading in the development and commercialization of plant-based vaccines . The key strategies market participants adopt are launches, expansion, and collaboration with other organizations to expand their footprint. The major players in the market include Creative Biolabs, Medicago Inc., iBio, ICON, EEA Consulting Engineers, Kentucky Bioprocessing Inc., Baiya Phytopharm, Lumen Bioscience, Inc., and PlantForm Corporation, among others.
Plant-Based Vaccines Market Leaders
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Creative Biolabs
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Medicago Inc.
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iBio
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Baiya Phytopharm
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ICON
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Plant-Based Vaccines Market News
- August 2024: Evonik launched PhytoSquene, the first plant-based, pharma-grade squalene specifically designed for use in vaccine adjuvants and other pharmaceutical applications. This innovative non-animal-derived squalene offers numerous advantages, primarily by reducing reliance on shark-derived squalene, thereby contributing to preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
- November 2023: Medicago, a Quebec-based pharmaceutical company, received over USD 300 million in payments made by the Liberal government, and the House of Commons health committee initiated a study regarding the development of a plant-based COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the government allocated USD 173 million for research and development and constructing Medicago's manufacturing facility in Quebec City.
Plant-Based Vaccines Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Market Drivers
4.2.1 Growing Demand for Plant-Based Vaccines
4.2.2 Advancements in Plant-Based Virus Vaccines
4.3 Market Restraints
4.3.1 Regulatory Challenges
4.3.2 Limited Commercialization
4.4 Porter's Five Force Analysis
4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD)
5.1 By Type
5.1.1 Bacterial Vaccine
5.1.2 Viral Vaccine
5.1.3 Others
5.2 By Plant Source
5.2.1 Tobacco
5.2.2 Potato
5.2.3 Others
5.3 By Application
5.3.1 Infectious Agents
5.3.2 Anti-Cancer
5.3.3 Veterinary Applications
5.3.3.1 Others
5.4 Geography
5.4.1 North America
5.4.2 Europe
5.4.3 Asia-Pacific
5.4.4 Middle East and Africa
5.4.5 South America
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
6.1 Company Profiles
6.1.1 Creative Biolabs
6.1.2 Medicago Inc.
6.1.3 iBio
6.1.4 ICON
6.1.5 EEA Consulting Engineers
6.1.6 Kentucky Bioprocessing Inc.
6.1.7 Baiya Phytopharm
6.1.8 Lumen Bioscience, Inc.
6.1.9 PlantForm Corporation
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
Plant-Based Vaccines Industry Segmentation
A plant-based vaccine is a type of vaccine produced using genetically modified plants or plant cells that express specific antigens, which are components that stimulate an immune response. Plant-based vaccines offer advantages such as lower production costs, scalability, and reduced risk of contamination compared to traditional vaccine manufacturing methods. The scope includes human as well as veterinary plant-based vaccines.
The plant-based vaccines market is segmented into type, deployment model, end user, and geography. By type, the market is segmented into bacterial vaccines, viral vaccines, and others (parasite vaccines and immunocontraceptive vaccines, among others). By plant source, the market is segmented into tobacco, potato, and others (maize, lettuce, among others). By application, the market is segmented into infectious agents, anti-cancer, and others (autoimmune disorders, allergies, among others). By geography, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East and Africa. For each segment, the market sizing and forecasts have been done on the basis of value (USD).
| By Type | |
| Bacterial Vaccine | |
| Viral Vaccine | |
| Others |
| By Plant Source | |
| Tobacco | |
| Potato | |
| Others |
| By Application | |||
| Infectious Agents | |||
| Anti-Cancer | |||
|
| Geography | |
| North America | |
| Europe | |
| Asia-Pacific | |
| Middle East and Africa | |
| South America |
Plant-Based Vaccines Market Research FAQs
How big is the Plant-Based Vaccines Market?
The Plant-Based Vaccines Market size is expected to reach USD 1.20 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 8.62% to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2029.
What is the current Plant-Based Vaccines Market size?
In 2024, the Plant-Based Vaccines Market size is expected to reach USD 1.20 billion.
Who are the key players in Plant-Based Vaccines Market?
Creative Biolabs, Medicago Inc., iBio, Baiya Phytopharm and ICON are the major companies operating in the Plant-Based Vaccines Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Plant-Based Vaccines Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2024-2029).
Which region has the biggest share in Plant-Based Vaccines Market?
In 2024, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Plant-Based Vaccines Market.
What years does this Plant-Based Vaccines Market cover, and what was the market size in 2023?
In 2023, the Plant-Based Vaccines Market size was estimated at USD 1.10 billion. The report covers the Plant-Based Vaccines Market historical market size for years: 2021, 2022 and 2023. The report also forecasts the Plant-Based Vaccines Market size for years: 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029.
Plant-Based Vaccines Industry Report
Statistics for the 2024 Plant-Based Vaccines market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Plant-Based Vaccines analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2024 to 2029 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.
