Global initiative to boost H5N1 mRNA vaccine development

A new initiative aiming to expedite the development and accessibility of human avian influenza (H5N1) mRNA vaccines for manufacturers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) has been launched, according to a press release from the World Health Organization (WHO) on July 29, 2024. This project, spearheaded by the Argentinian manufacturer Sinergium Biotech, is a collaborative effort leveraging the WHO and Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) mRNA Technology Transfer Programme.

The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, established by WHO and MPP in July 2021, seeks to enhance the capacity of LMICs in developing and producing mRNA-based vaccines. Sinergium Biotech, a key partner in this initiative, has already developed candidate H5N1 vaccines and aims to establish proof-of-concept in preclinical models. Upon conclusion of the preclinical data package, the acquired technology, materials, and expertise will be shared with other manufacturing partners to accelerate vaccine development and bolster pandemic preparedness.

“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,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Charles Gore, Executive Director of MPP, echoed this sentiment, stating, “When we created the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme with WHO, our goal 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 future pandemic preparedness and response.”

Avian influenza viruses present a significant public health risk due to their potential to cause a future pandemic. This initiative complements ongoing efforts under the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework to improve virus sharing with human pandemic potential and increase vaccine access for LMICs.

Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization, emphasized the importance of geographical diversity in innovation and production. “This announcement underscores the importance of not only geographically diversifying the innovation and production of health technologies including and recognizing the capacities in Latin American and the Caribbean, but also the importance of early planning for access and the sharing of knowledge and technologies during the research and development processes.”

Dr. Alejandro Gil, Chief Executive Officer of Sinergium, highlighted the company’s role in the project. “Sinergium’s enhanced capacity and readiness to apply our expertise to H5N1 will play a vital role in this effort towards global pandemic preparedness. We are excited to tackle this public health challenge and our R&D team will continue to work closely with the Programme Partners.”

Since its inception, the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme has developed a platform used to establish the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate in preclinical models. This technology is now being adapted for other critical diseases, forming a cornerstone of WHO and MPP’s efforts to improve global vaccine equity.