WHO initiative to develop mRNA vaccine against human avian influenza

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new project to accelerate the development and availability of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine candidates against human avian influenza (H5N1) to manufacturers in low- and low-income countries.

Argentine manufacturer Synergium Biotech will lead this initiative, taking advantage of WHO/Medical Patent Pool (MPP) mRNA Technology Transfer Programme.

The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, jointly developed by WHO and MPP, was launched in July 2021 to build capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) to develop and manufacture mRNA-based vaccines.

Sinergium Biotech, a partner in the mRNA Technology Transfer Program, has developed H5N1 vaccine candidates and is seeking proof of concept in preclinical models. Once the preclinical data package is complete, the technology, materials, and expertise will be shared with other manufacturing partners to help accelerate the development of H5N1 vaccine candidates and strengthen pandemic preparedness efforts, the EP said.

“This initiative is an example of why WHO created the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme: to spur larger-scale research, development and manufacturing in low- and middle-income countries so that when the next pandemic strikes, the world is better prepared to mount a more effective and equitable response,” This was stated by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

“When we created the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme with WHO, our goal was to empower low- and middle-income countries to lead development efforts, facilitate collaboration, share resources and disseminate knowledge,” said MPP Executive Director Charles Gore. “This project embodies our vision and demonstrates a strong commitment to future pandemic preparedness and response,” he added.

Bird flu viruses are poses a significant public health risk due to its widespread distribution among animals and its potential to cause a future pandemic. This development complements ongoing work under the Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Framework to improve and enhance the sharing of influenza viruses with human pandemic potential and expand access to vaccines for low- and middle-income countries.

“This announcement highlights the importance not only of geographical diversification of innovation and production in medical technologies by including and recognizing the capabilities of Latin America and the Caribbean, but also the importance of early planning for access and exchange of knowledge and technology during the research and development processes,” said Pan American Health Organization Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa.

Dr. Alejandro Gil, CEO of Sinergium, said that “Sinergium’s increased capabilities and willingness to apply its expertise in combating H5N1 will play a vital role in these efforts to ensure global pandemic preparedness.”

Since its inception, the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme has developed and launched a platform that has been used to establish the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of a COVID-19 vaccine candidate in preclinical animal models. Afrigen is the hub where the platform was created and is being validated, and the technology is now being transferred to manufacturing partners to adapt and improve it for other critical disease applications. The progress made by the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme is an important part of WHO and MPP’s efforts to improve the availability, access, and use of mRNA vaccines to improve vaccine equity worldwide.