mRNA VACCINE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER: UPDATE ON POLYVAC’S RESULTS

Abstract

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) established an mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub in South Africa. Fifteen entities worldwide, including POLYVAC, were selected to receive this technology transfer. Following an on-site capacity assessment, the MPP determined that POLYVAC was capable of adopting laboratory-scale mRNA vaccine production technology. POLYVAC has completed facility upgrades as recommended, installed all MPP-funded equipment, and finished training programs at Afrigen as well as additional supplementary courses. The results indicated that POLYVAC staff have mastered equipment operation and are proficient in the production, quality control for mRNA COVID-19 vaccine and are currently conducting production and testing on 3 consecutive batches at the facility. Moving forward, POLYVAC aims to research and develop other vaccines based on the core technology it has acquired, striving to become a regional mRNA vaccine manufacturing hub. This aligns with the program's second phase goal of transitioning from mere "technology transfer" to "technology mastery and co-development" in order to proactively respond to future health threats.