Three years after the World Health Organization (WHO) launched Africa’s first mRNA vaccine technology transfer programme, the initiative is starting to show positive results. The project was initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when most vaccines were quickly bought up by wealthier nations, leaving lower and middle-income countries struggling to secure access.
Launched in 2021 by the WHO and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), the programme is making strides in revolutionizing the vaccine and therapeutic landscape in Africa. Through the hub at Afrigen Biologics, a biotechnology company based in Cape Town, foundational mRNA technology has been successfully transferred to 15 partner organizations.
Currently, African countries rely heavily on importing 90% of their medicines and 99% of their vaccines. The technology transfer is a crucial step towards empowering developing nations to manufacture their own medicines for both pandemics and routine public health needs.
The recent progress was celebrated at an event held during the G20 Health Working Group in Johannesburg. The first partner to receive the transferred technology was Biovac, a bio-pharmaceutical company also located in Cape Town.
Biovac CEO, Dr. Morena Makhoana, expressed his approval of the programme, stating, “As the first tech transfer partner we have certainly validated what Afrigen has done. We have also demonstrated scientifically that the work that they have done is transferrable and it can be upscaled. This programme has been a catalyst because we’ve been able to raise external funding for new R&D labs, part of which will be dedicated to mRNA technology.”
The significance of mRNA technology lies in its versatility. It enables scientists to rapidly develop vaccines for a wide range of diseases, from COVID-19 to influenza. Furthermore, researchers are exploring the potential of mRNA-based vaccines for diseases like HIV and TB, which continue to have a devastating impact on communities in South Africa.
Professor Petro Terblanche, CEO of Afrigen, emphasized that technology transfer is just the beginning. The ultimate goal is to develop a pipeline of products that can be sustainably transferred to partner organizations in low- and middle-income countries to make a meaningful impact on public health.
Dr. Michelle Mulder, CEO of the South African Medical Research Council, stressed the importance of research and development in advancing the mRNA technology transfer programme. She highlighted the opportunity mRNA technology provides in developing vaccines and treatments for prevalent diseases like HIV and TB.
Mulder also underscored the necessity of creating a pipeline of new vaccines to ensure that manufacturing facilities remain active even during periods when medicines are not being produced in response to a specific outbreak or pandemic.
Charles Gore, Executive Director of MPP, emphasized the need for sustained political will to keep the momentum of the programme going. He stated, “This is a unique opportunity, driven by the pandemic. The foundations are in place – but without sustained political will, the promise of equitable mRNA access could slip through our fingers.”
In conclusion, the mRNA vaccine technology transfer programme in Africa is making significant progress in transforming the region’s healthcare landscape. With continued support and investment, the initiative has the potential to revolutionize access to essential medicines and vaccines for the continent. Are you tired of the same old routine and looking for a change in your life? Well, look no further because we have some exciting new ideas to spice up your daily activities and bring a sense of adventure into your life.
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