AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) FY Conference Transcript

Summary of Vaccine Access and Development Panel Discussion Industry Focus - Industry: Vaccine Development and Public Health Key Points and Arguments Vaccine Hesitancy and Public Trust - Vaccine hesitancy has increased from approximately 5% to 10% among parents over the last five years, although the majority still choose vaccination for their children [3][4] - Trust in healthcare professionals remains high, with pediatricians being the most trusted source of information for parents [4][5] - Broader societal and political divides contribute to vaccine hesitancy, particularly regarding seasonal vaccinations like COVID-19 [2][4] Value and Access in Vaccination - The value and access functions in the pharmaceutical industry focus on demonstrating the value of vaccines and ensuring patient access [6][7] - Effective communication with healthcare decision-makers is crucial, emphasizing the broader societal benefits of vaccines, such as productivity gains and educational attainment [9][10] - A dollar invested in vaccines can yield a return of $20 to $50, highlighting the economic value of vaccination [10] Barriers to Vaccine Access - Access to vaccines is generally good in the pediatric space, with programs like Vaccines for Children covering 50% of American children [19][20] - However, access to information and healthcare remains a challenge, leading to pockets of under-vaccinated children [20] Global Vaccine Economics - The economics of biopharmaceuticals are complex, with high costs and risks associated with bringing vaccines to market [21][22] - Innovative partnerships and pricing strategies are necessary to maintain incentives for vaccine development while ensuring accessibility [23][24] Importance of Surveillance - Improved global surveillance can enhance equitable vaccine manufacturing and distribution, as seen in the eradication of smallpox [26][29] - Surveillance can help identify outbreaks and inform targeted vaccination efforts [29] Practical Barriers in Clinical Settings - Time constraints during patient visits can hinder discussions about vaccination, impacting implementation [32][33] - Workflow considerations, such as vaccine storage and availability, are critical for successful vaccination programs [33] Future Directions in Vaccine Development - Advances in understanding immune tolerance and regulatory T cells may shape the next generation of vaccines [34][35] - The potential for AI to analyze vast amounts of data could enhance vaccine development and public health messaging [62][63] Anticipatory R&D for Pandemic Preparedness - Investment in disease surveillance and basic science research is essential for anticipating future health threats [42][43] - The development of vaccines that can target multiple pathogens is a promising area for future research [45] Conclusion - The panel emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders, effective communication, and innovative strategies to enhance vaccine access and public trust in vaccination efforts [50][68]