Chasing Polio Eradication: Vaccine Development
2019
This case describes the development and rollout of the bivalent oral polio vaccine (bOPV), starting in 2007, to support the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in eliminating poliovirus. After providing background on the global polio eradication program, the case explores the policy decisions behind the development of bOPV, progression through clinical trials, licensure, and distribution of the vaccine. The case examines the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in accelerating the progression through these stages. The case study ends with a reflection on the successes of bOPV and its impact on the eradication program at a global level. The case entitled Polio Elimination in Uttar Pradesh, India may provide helpful background information.
Learning Objectives: A productive class discussion will allow readers to understand the importance of product development to respond rapidly to the needs of a global health initiative as well as the complexities of ensuring the engagement of stakeholders involved in vaccine development, and the potential role of the public sector in facilitating product development.
The Global Health Delivery (GHD) Project, an interdisciplinary collaboration between Harvard Business School, Harvard Medical School, and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, investigates the management decisions behind disease treatment and prevention globally. The Global Health Delivery (GHD) Case Collection is a set of teaching case studies that are available for all at no cost online through Harvard Business Publishing, GHDonline, and The Case Centre.
Chasing Polio Eradication: Vaccine Development
Source:
Rosenberg J, Weintraub R. Chasing Polio Eradication: Vaccine Development. Global Health Delivery Project, Harvard Business Publishing 2019. https://www.globalhealthdelivery.org/publications/chasing-polio-eradication-vaccine-development.