Strategy Development for Anti-Venom Commercialization
February 19, 2025
Our client was a scientific, academic and research institution interested in supporting the commercialisation of new anti-venom therapeutics.
The client required a commercialisation strategy framework for their new anti-venom product, as well as an overview and scoping of the regulatory process in selected countries. An analytical framework for prioritising which African countries to register their product was based on specific criteria including, the likely ease of regulatory approval, policy landscape, similar products and alternatives in the market, as well as availability of public funding and private sector willingness to pay.
There is limited access to anti-venom therapeutics in many African countries due to several reasons, including limited stock in countries. Stock-outs are due to reasons such as high costs in procuring anti-venom therapeutics, lack of product that is effective against local snakes, and gaps in ensuring efficient storage and transportation for anti-venom products.
Market Access Africa (MAA) was commissioned by the client to develop a product commercialization framework for new anti-venom therapeutics to guide and inform go-to-market strategies that will ensure its successful introduction particularly in sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries.
To gain a thorough understanding of the market access challenges, our team undertook a comprehensive deep dive analysis into the access landscape for anti-venom therapeutics in SSA countries. This analysis aimed to uncover the complexities and obstacles that hinder the availability and distribution of these critical life-saving treatments in the region. By investigating various factors, MAA sought to provide a detailed and nuanced picture of the current state of anti-venom therapeutics, laying the groundwork for informed decision-making and strategic planning.
As part of this analysis, our team outlined the manufacturers and distributors of anti-venom products that were operational within the priority countries. This involved identifying key players in the market, assessing their product portfolios, and understanding their distribution networks. By mapping out these entities, we provided the client with a clear and comprehensive overview of the existing supply chain, highlighting potential gaps and opportunities for improvement.
To complement this analysis, our team of experts developed a ranking system for SSA countries based on a set of specific criteria. Criterion included the ease of regulatory approval, the policy landscape, the funding environment, the unmet need for anti-venom therapeutics, and the extent to which addressing snakebites was a societal and policy priority within each country. By evaluating and prioritising countries according to these factors, MAA identified those with the most favourable conditions for the introduction of new anti-venom therapeutics. This strategic prioritisation aimed to maximise the impact and effectiveness of market entry efforts, ensuring that new treatments reach the populations in greatest need.
From the acquired data and analysis, we provided the client with a high-level summary of the regulatory requirements and processes to register a new anti-venom therapeutic in the countries that topped the ranking exercise. This also included high-level pricing data from both private sector and hospital pharmacies. This data was crucial for informing appropriate registration and pricing strategies for the introduction of new anti-venom therapeutics.
MAA delivered a rigorous commercialization strategy framework, whose approach covered all relevant aspects from regulatory approval and stakeholder engagement to pricing strategies. Through this approach MAA provided the client with robust and actionable steps to guide the introduction of new anti-venom therapeutics in Africa.
Our insights enabled the client to make informed decisions when strategically planning the launch and scale up of their anti-venom therapeutics, ultimately enhancing access to life-saving treatments in the region.
