A new initiative has been launched with the aim of accelerating the development and availability of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine candidates against human avian influenza (H5N1).
The World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), made this known in a joint statement released by WHO on Monday, stating that H5N1 is destined for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
He said Sinergium Biotech, an Argentine manufacturer, will lead this effort, using the WHO mRNA technology transfer programme and the MPP to achieve the goal.
mRNA Technology Transfer Program
According to the statement, the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, a collaborative effort between WHO and the MPP, was launched in July 2021 with the aim of enhancing capacity in low- and middle-income countries for the development and production of mRNA-based vaccines.
He noted that Sinergium Biotech, a partner in the program, has developed H5N1 vaccine candidates and is seeking to establish proof of concept in preclinical models, adding that once the preclinical data package is complete, the technology, materials and expertise will be shared with other manufacturing partners, facilitating the acceleration of H5N1 vaccine candidate development and strengthening pandemic preparedness efforts.
WHO Director-General speaks out
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the mRNA programme would boost pandemic preparedness in low-income countries.
He said: “This initiative exemplifies why WHO established the mRNA technology transfer programme: to encourage greater research, development and production in low- and middle-income countries, so that when the next pandemic hits, the world is better prepared to respond more effectively and more equitably.”
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MPP Executive Director Charles Gore said health agencies have empowered low-income countries to lead vaccine development by sharing resources and expertise.
He said: “When we created the mRNA technology transfer programme with WHO, our aim was to enable low- and middle-income countries to lead development efforts, foster collaboration, share resources and disseminate knowledge.
“This project embodies our vision and demonstrates a strong commitment to preparing for and responding to future pandemics.”
Preparing for future pandemics
According to them, avian influenza viruses pose a significant threat to public health due to their widespread circulation among animals and their potential to cause a future pandemic.
The new development was said to support ongoing efforts in the framework of influenza pandemic preparedness, with the aim of improving the sharing of influenza viruses with pandemic potential and increasing access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries.
The Director of the Pan American Health Organization, Jarbas Barbosa, stated that diversifying innovation and the production of health technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean is crucial.
“This announcement underscores the importance of not only geographically diversifying innovation and production of health technologies, including and recognizing capacities in Latin America and the Caribbean, but also the importance of early planning for access and sharing of knowledge and technologies during research and development processes,” said Mr. Barbosa.
Sinergium CEO Alejandro Gil said Sinergium's expertise would help global pandemic preparedness.
“Sinergium’s increased ability and willingness to apply our expertise to H5N1 will play a vital role in this global pandemic preparedness effort. I would also like to thank PAHO, which has also been instrumental in providing strong support to regional manufacturers in the Americas. We are excited to take on this public health challenge, and our R&D team will continue to work closely with program partners,” he said.
He further stated that the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme has developed a platform for COVID-19 vaccine development, validated at Afrigen, and is now transferring the technology to manufacturing partners for adaptation and improvement against other critical diseases.
He added that the progress made so far supports the WHO and MPP's goal of improving global access to mRNA vaccines and promoting vaccine equity.