The role of emerging manufacturers in access to innovative vaccines of public health importance.

The role of developing country manufacturers in assuring global access to innovative vaccines was compared to the situation in 2005. These producers now supply over 60% of traditional vaccines doses globally and an increasing value (up to 15% in 2007) of innovative products. More suppliers are now strong players in global market, and an even larger group has potential to do so. These manufacturers are not a homogeneous group and most of them are now at a crossroads. Decisions made by their management and governments as well as by the international community will have a large impact on their existence and future and their ability to manufacture innovative vaccines at affordable prices.