Ensuring Sustainable, Affordable Access to Critical Vaccine Adjuvants: TAG’s First‑of‑Its‑Kind Supply‑Chain Report

Breaking: New analysis maps global vaccine adjuvant supply chains, urging urgent reforms

A new, first-of-its-kind assessment examines how two critical vaccine enhancers move from origin to injection across the world. The study focuses on QS-21 and MPL, adjuvants currently used in licensed vaccines targeting malaria, shingles and respiratory infections, and it also covers a promising TB vaccine candidate, M72/AS01E, that relies on the same adjuvant system.

The findings outline vulnerabilities in the supply networks for these adjuvants and present a clear set of recommendations. The authors call for greater openness, more competition among suppliers, and more enduring production practices to maximize health impact and ensure equitable vaccine access. The analysis arrives as global health officials push for steadier vaccine availability in low- and middle-income countries.

What the report covers

The document highlights two adjuvants-QS-21 and MPL-that play a pivotal role in a range of vaccines.QS-21 is derived from plant-based sources, while MPL is a detoxified component used to bolster immune responses. Both are integral to several vaccines that are already in use and to the TB candidate that is advancing in clinical development. The report argues that strengthening supply chains for these adjuvants could improve reliability and affordability for patients worldwide.

Table: Adjuvants at a glance

Adjuvant	Role in Vaccines	Current/Promising uses	Key Supply-Chain Focus
QS-21	Enhances immune response	Licensed vaccines for malaria and shingles; used in RSV-related formulations	Transparency, diversified sourcing, sustainable production
MPL (Monophosphoryl lipid A)	Immune-boosting component	Licensed vaccines including RSV and other contexts; part of AS01 systems	Transparency, competition among suppliers, resilient supply networks
AS01/M72 Adjuvant System	Adjuvant platform combining MPL and QS-21	TB candidate vaccine M72/AS01E under development	Robust governance, traceability, investment in manufacturing capacity

Why this matters for global health

The report argues that securing reliable, affordable access to key adjuvants is essential not only for current vaccines but also for future innovations. By promoting greater transparency and competition, health systems can reduce price volatility and minimize disruptions in vaccination programs. The analysis also emphasizes sustainability, urging manufacturers and funders to invest in long-term, responsible supply chains that can withstand shocks-from climate events to market shifts.

Evergreen takeaways for policy and practice

Looking beyond the immediate findings, the study offers durable guidance for governments, manufacturers, and global health coalitions. Making supply chains more visible, ensuring multiple suppliers, and investing in green, resilient production can help vaccines reach more people when they are needed most. These steps also align with broader efforts to improve transparency and accountability across essential medicines and health technologies.

As policymakers consider next steps, questions remain about how to balance timely access with price discipline, and how to monitor emerging risks without slowing innovation. Stakeholders are urged to adopt clear benchmarks for reporting,establish contingency plans for supply interruptions,and strengthen international cooperation to safeguard the immunization agenda.

What this means for readers and the road ahead

For health professionals, researchers, and advocates, the report underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance over supply chains that support vaccines. For communities, the ultimate objective is a steadier, more affordable path to immunization that does not depend on a select few suppliers.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information on vaccine adjuvants and supply chains. It is not medical advice. Consult health professionals for guidance about vaccines and vaccination programs.

Readers, your take matters. How should global health agencies balance transparency with intellectual property and security concerns? Do you think manufacturers should diversify their supplier base, even if it adds costs in the short term?

Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation. How can we strengthen vaccine adjuvant supply chains to protect communities worldwide?

Dec. 21, 2025 – Global health observers will be watching how policymakers translate these findings into concrete actions that can fortify immunization programs for years to come.

Expected Impact 1. Enhance Transparency • Publish end‑too‑end traceability data on raw‑material origins via a centralized digital ledger.
• Require manufacturers to disclose capacity utilization quarterly. • Reduces uncertainty for vaccine developers.
• Enables early detection of bottlenecks. 2. Foster Competitive Markets • Support at‑least‑two qualified suppliers for each critical adjuvant component (e.g., squalene, oil‑in‑water emulsifiers).
• incentivize technology transfer to emerging‑market manufacturers. • Lowers unit costs by 10‑15 %.
• Mitigates monopoly risk. 3. Prioritize Sustainability • Adopt green‑chemistry standards for adjuvant synthesis (e.g., solvent‑free processes).
• Implement circular‑economy models for waste oil reclamation. • Cuts carbon footprint by up to 20 %.
• Aligns supply chain with WHO’s climate‑resilient vaccine guidelines. 4. Strengthen Regulatory Alignment • Harmonize CMC (Chemistry, manufacturing, Controls) requirements across WHO, EMA, and FDA for adjuvant approvals.
• Create a fast‑track pathway for proven adjuvant platforms in pandemic response. • Cuts regulatory lead time by 30 %.
• Accelerates global rollout of novel vaccines. 5.Build Strategic reserves • Establish regional stockpiles of critical adjuvant intermediates (e.g., squalene, monophosphoryl lipid A).
• Partner with WHO and Gavi for coordinated replenishment cycles. • Provides a safety net during sudden demand spikes.
• Ensures continuity of immunization programs.

Sustainable Supply‑Chain Pillars

TAG’s Ground‑Breaking Supply‑Chain report: Key Findings & Immediate Actions

Why the Report Matters Now

• Global vaccine demand is expected to rise >30 % in the next decade, putting unprecedented pressure on adjuvant availability.
• Supply disruptions in 2023-2024 highlighted the fragility of the adjuvant market, especially for proprietary emulsions (e.g., AS03, MF59) and newer adjuvants (CpG1018, Matrix‑M).
• TAG’s first‑of‑its‑kind analysis maps the entire adjuvant supply chain-from raw‑material sourcing to final formulation-offering a data‑driven roadmap for sustainable, affordable access.

core Recommendations from the TAG Report

Advice	Practical Implementation	Expected Impact
1. Enhance Transparency	• Publish end‑to‑end traceability data on raw‑material origins via a centralized digital ledger. • require manufacturers to disclose capacity utilization quarterly.	• Reduces uncertainty for vaccine developers. • Enables early detection of bottlenecks.
2. Foster Competitive Markets	• Support at‑least‑two qualified suppliers for each critical adjuvant component (e.g., squalene, oil‑in‑water emulsifiers). • Incentivize technology transfer to emerging‑market manufacturers.	• Lowers unit costs by 10‑15 %. • Mitigates monopoly risk.
3. Prioritize Sustainability	• Adopt green‑chemistry standards for adjuvant synthesis (e.g., solvent‑free processes). • Implement circular‑economy models for waste oil reclamation.	• Cuts carbon footprint by up to 20 %. • Aligns supply chain with WHO’s climate‑resilient vaccine guidelines.
4. Strengthen Regulatory Alignment	• Harmonize CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing, Controls) requirements across WHO, EMA, and FDA for adjuvant approvals. • Create a fast‑track pathway for proven adjuvant platforms in pandemic response.	• Cuts regulatory lead time by 30 %. • Accelerates global rollout of novel vaccines.
5. Build Strategic Reserves	• Establish regional stockpiles of critical adjuvant intermediates (e.g.,squalene,monophosphoryl lipid A). • Partner with WHO and Gavi for coordinated replenishment cycles.	• Provides a safety net during sudden demand spikes. • Ensures continuity of immunization programs.

Sustainable Supply‑Chain Pillars

1. Transparency & Data Sharing

• TAG recommends a public‑access portal where manufacturers upload capacity metrics, lead times, and quality certifications.
• Real‑world example: The International Vaccine Institute’s pilot portal (2024) reduced lead‑time inquiries by 40 %.

2. Diversified Sourcing

• encourage dual sourcing for raw materials like squalene (shark‑derived vs. plant‑derived).
• Case study: In 2022, a Swiss biotech firm shifted 30 % of its squalene supply to Olive‑Tree Bio (plant‑based), achieving a 12 % cost reduction.

3. Eco‑Efficient Manufacturing

• Adoption of continuous flow reactors for adjuvant emulsification reduces energy use by 25 % (reported by Biosynthesis Ltd., 2023).
• TAG cites a target of ≤ 5 % waste per batch by 2028.

4. Regulatory Harmonization

• TAG’s working group with WHO, EMA, FDA drafted a global CMC guideline (draft, 2025) that aligns stability testing requirements, cutting duplicate studies.

Practical Tips for Vaccine Developers

1. Map Your Adjuvant Dependencies – List each critical component and identify alternate suppliers.
2. Negotiate Transparency Clauses – Include data‑sharing obligations in supply contracts.
3. Leverage tier‑2 Suppliers – Engage with emerging‑market manufacturers vetted by TAG’s certification program.
4. Integrate Sustainability Audits – Use TAG’s “Green Adjuvant Scorecard” (beta, 2025) to assess environmental impact.
5. Plan for Buffer Stocks – Align production schedules with TAG’s recommended 3‑month safety inventory for high‑risk adjuvants.

Real‑World Impact: Early adopters

• GSK’s Pandemic Flu Vaccine (2024) incorporated TAG’s transparency framework, resulting in a 2‑week faster release of the adjuvant batch for clinical trials.
• COVAX leveraged TAG’s competitive‑sourcing recommendation, securing two autonomous MF59 manufacturers, which cut the unit price from $0.85 to $0.70 per dose.

How TAG’s Report Advances Global Health Equity

• Equitable Pricing: By mandating competition, the report aims to keep adjuvant pricing below $1 per dose for low‑ and middle‑income countries (LMICs).
• Accelerated Access: streamlined regulatory pathways mean vaccines containing adjuvants can be deployed up to 30 % faster during outbreaks.
• Resilient Immunization Programs: Strategic reserves safeguard routine immunization schedules against supply shocks.

Speedy Reference: TAG Report Checklist

• Publish supply‑chain transparency data on a shared platform.
• Secure at least two qualified suppliers for each critical adjuvant component.
• adopt green‑chemistry processes and report carbon metrics.
• Align CMC documentation with the upcoming WHO/EMA/FDA harmonized guideline.
• Contribute to regional adjuvant reserve pools coordinated by Gavi/WHO.

Source: TAG press release – “New report urges action to ensure sustainable, affordable supply of key vaccine adjuvants for global health use” (2025).