- In March 2024, Serum Institute of India, one of the world’s largest vaccine manufacturers, announced the expansion of its BCG production facility to meet growing global demand, particularly from low- and middle-income countries. This move is aimed at enhancing vaccine availability in TB-endemic regions and reinforcing India’s leadership in global BCG supply through scaled manufacturing and affordable pricing models
- In February 2024, Japan BCG Laboratory entered into a partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve access to BCG vaccines in underserved regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. This initiative focuses on increasing vaccine coverage through targeted delivery programs and supports research into next-generation BCG formulations for broader therapeutic use
- In November 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) updated its BCG immunization guidelines, emphasizing the importance of neonatal BCG administration in countries with high TB prevalence. The revision aims to increase early-life immunization rates and reduce pediatric TB mortality, prompting governments to strengthen their national vaccination frameworks
- In October 2023, Bio Farma (Indonesia) announced the successful completion of a large-scale Phase III clinical trial evaluating the extended therapeutic use of BCG for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This advancement marks a potential expansion of BCG beyond traditional TB prevention, with the company seeking regional regulatory approvals for cancer applications
- In August 2023, UNICEF launched a regional procurement collaboration in West Africa to ensure uninterrupted BCG vaccine supply chains amid rising birth rates and TB incidence. The initiative includes capacity building for local immunization officers, improved cold chain management, and integrated vaccine distribution in rural and high-risk communities
