Merck, a prominent science and technology company, has announced a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through its Life Science business sector with Afrigen Biologics to bolster the development of an mRNA vaccine technology platform. This collaboration aims to advance mRNA platform manufacturing capabilities, scale up production, optimize processes, and provide troubleshooting expertise.
Bert de Vet, Head of Commercial EMEA Process Solutions at Merck’s Life Science business sector, highlighted, “With our extensive chemical portfolio and customized production capabilities, we bring cutting-edge expertise to mRNA manufacturing, ensuring a seamless transition from research to production. Our partnership with Afrigen for the development of mRNA technology platforms underscores our commitment to promoting equitable access to life-saving therapies globally.”
Under the MoU, Merck will support Afrigen’s Center of Excellence and training initiatives aimed at enhancing capacity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to produce mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. This mRNA technology transfer program, co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), involves a South African consortium establishing and validating an mRNA manufacturing platform at a central site (the ‘hub’) and subsequently transferring the technology platform to partners.
The Afrigen-based mRNA vaccine tech transfer program aims to facilitate comprehensive knowledge transfer to enable the current 15 recipient manufacturers in the program to produce and distribute mRNA vaccines at scale. This supports clinical development, national/regional marketing authorization, WHO prequalification, and ensures sustainable supply to meet local and regional vaccine demands.
Petro Terblanche, CEO of Afrigen Biologics, emphasized, “The mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub is making significant strides in establishing a sustainable platform for mRNA product innovation in public health and pandemic preparedness. The platform at Afrigen provides LMIC partners access to mRNA technology across the vaccine value chain, from R&D to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing. Merck’s technical expertise has accelerated our progress.”
Ike James, Head of Technology Transfer at Medicines Patent Pool, added, “The mRNA technology transfer program stands out due to exceptional collaboration among multiple partners dedicated to empowering LMICs to develop and manufacture future mRNA vaccines. Today’s MoU signing between Afrigen and Merck exemplifies this shared commitment and marks a significant milestone in this collaborative journey.”
Merck continues to play a pivotal role in advancing mRNA technology, enhancing regional manufacturing capacity, and contributing to global pandemic resilience. The company’s holistic approach integrates mRNA expertise, technology transfer capabilities, regulatory knowledge, and product portfolios to streamline manufacturing and testing processes.
