WHO Accelerates mRNA Vaccine Development for H5N1 Influenza

By Adebowale Bello. Freelance Health Writer

Tuesday, August 6, 2024. In a significant move to bolster global pandemic preparedness, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) have unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at expediting the development and accessibility of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine candidates for human avian influenza (H5N1).

The joint statement, released by WHO on Monday, highlights that this initiative primarily targets manufacturers in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Spearheading this crucial effort is Sinergium Biotech, an Argentinian manufacturer, leveraging the WHO and MPP mRNA technology transfer programme to achieve this ambitious objective.

The mRNA technology transfer programme, a collaborative venture launched in July 2021, aims to enhance the capacity of LMICs in developing and producing mRNA-based vaccines. Sinergium Biotech, a key partner in this programme has already developed candidate H5N1 vaccines and is working to establish proof-of-concept in preclinical models.

Upon completion of the preclinical data package, the technology, materials and expertise will be shared with other manufacturing partners. This strategic approach is designed to accelerate H5N1 vaccine candidate development and fortify global pandemic preparedness efforts.

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, emphasized the initiative's significance in boosting pandemic preparedness in low-income countries. He stated, "This initiative exemplifies why WHO established the mRNA technology transfer programme – to foster greater research, development and production in low- and middle-income countries so that when the next pandemic arrives, the world will be better prepared to mount a more effective and more equitable response."

Charles Gore, Executive Director of MPP, highlighted the programme's goal of enabling LMICs to lead development efforts, foster collaboration, and disseminate knowledge. He noted that this project embodies their vision and demonstrates a strong commitment to future pandemic preparedness and response.

Addressing the Avian Influenza Threat

Avian influenza viruses, due to their widespread circulation in animals and potential to trigger a future pandemic, pose a significant threat to public health. This new development aligns with ongoing efforts under the pandemic influenza preparedness framework, aiming to enhance the sharing of influenza viruses with pandemic potential and increase vaccine access for LMICs.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organisation, stressed the importance of geographically diversifying health technology innovation and production, particularly recognizing capacities in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Alejandro Gil, CEO of Sinergium, expressed enthusiasm about applying their expertise to H5N1, highlighting the vital role it will play in global pandemic preparedness efforts.

The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme has already developed a platform for COVID-19 vaccine development, validated at Afrigen and is now transferring this technology to manufacturing partners for adaptation against other critical diseases. This progress supports WHO and MPP's overarching goal of improving global access to mRNA vaccines and promoting vaccine equity.

As the world continues to grapple with health challenges, initiatives like this underscore the critical importance of collaborative, global efforts in safeguarding public health and ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines.

Source: Premium Times

Published: August 6, 2024

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