Project profile — COVID-19 mRNA technology transfer and manufacturing hub

• South of Sahara, regional (100.00%)

• Health: COVID-19 control (12264) (100.00%)

• Gender equality (significant objective)
• Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting) (not targeted)
• Participatory development and good governance (not targeted)
• Trade development (not targeted)
• Biodiversity (not targeted)
• Climate change mitigation (not targeted)
• Climate Change Adaptation (not targeted)
• Urban issues (not targeted)
• Desertification (not targeted)
• Children's issues (not targeted)
• Youth Issues (not targeted)
• Disaster Risk Reduction(DRR) (not targeted)
• Indigenous Issues (not targeted)
• Disability (not targeted)
• Nutrition (not targeted)
• ICT as a tool for development (not targeted)

This project aims to improve health security and increase vaccine manufacturing capacity in low- and middle-income countries by establishing a Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Technology Transfer Hub. The project focuses on a COVID-19 vaccine as proof-of-concept. It also aims to support a pipeline of future mRNA vaccine candidates -such as tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and malaria- to ensure long-term sustainability. Project activities include: (1) preparing the technology transfer hub facility in South Africa, including training staff and technical assistance; (2) developing mRNA vaccine technology; (3) conducting research and development activities; (4) transferring the mRNA vaccine manufacturing platform and providing bio-manufacturing training and critical equipment to partner facilities in Bangladesh Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa; and (5) supporting research to develop second-generation mRNA technology for different target diseases relevant to low- and middle-income countries. This project represents additional funds provided to a pre-existing project in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The description and expected results are the same.

The expected outcomes of the project include: (1) established or enhanced sustainable mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity in regions with no or limited capacity; and (2) increased human capital for bio-manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries.

Results achieved as of March 2023 include: (1) provided introductory training on Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) technology (laboratory scale) to 12 out of 15 partners; (2) developed a COVID-19 vaccine candidate and all processes for the manufacturing scale-up required for Phase I and II clinical trials; (3) launched an end-to-end mRNA vaccine development and production facility (the hub); and (4) procured and installed critical equipment at the first partner facility.

• Proactive disclosure
• Related activities: Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) technology transfer hub