By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African biopharmaceutical manufacturer Biovac has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea-based vaccine manufacturer EuBiologics for the technology transfer of a meningococcal meningitis pentavalent vaccine.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Biovac and EuBiologics was officially signed in Cape Town, alongside the 24th Annual General Meeting of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturing Network (DCVMN).
The event, co-hosted by Biovac, gathered global partners, stakeholders and vaccine manufacturers from around the world, emphasizing the global commitment to health equity and vaccine accessibility.
Biovac CEO Morena Makhoana said the partnership was a significant boost to the local vaccine manufacturing sector in South Africa, and to skills and technology development in the industry.
“This is an important step towards achieving the African Union’s goal of producing 60% of the vaccines used on the continent of Africa by 2040. The MOU results from numerous engagements between the two companies and illustrates the partnership needed to build a self-sufficient vaccine manufacturing industry for the continent,” Makhoana said.
The partnership is a positive development for Biovac, enabling the local production and distribution of a crucial vaccine across Africa, where the demand is most acute.
Meningococcal meningitis, a potentially fatal bacterial infection, poses significant health risks worldwide, with the highest unmet medical need located in the meningitis belt of sub-Saharan Africa.
EuBiologics CEO Baik Yeong-ok was pleased to sign the MOU with Biovac, saying it was the beginning of a collaboration between the two companies.
“I am hopeful that this will lead to an improvement in global public health, capacity-building of an African manufacturer and, most importantly, the impact on lives in Africa, where the burden of disease is highest,” said Baik.
The vaccine is still undergoing clinical trials and Biovac has not yet begun production.
The vaccine resulting from this collaboration will offer protection against various strains of the disease, including the emerging serotype X.
“We are pleased that Biovac was able to enter into an arrangement with a South Korean-based company for a vaccine that would be suited not only for South Africa but for our continent, particularly at a time when Africa is on a journey to vaccine manufacturing self-sufficiency,” said Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Ebrahim Patel, expressing his optimism and support for the partnership.
He further emphasised the potential global and local impact of this collaboration, expressing hope for enhanced global public health.
“This is the beginning of the collaboration between the two companies, but I am hopeful that this will lead to an improvement in global public health, capacity building of an African manufacturer, and most importantly the impact on lives in Africa, where the disease burden is highest,” said Patel.
The dtic remains committed to supporting such impactful collaborations, fostering a climate of innovation, health equity and economic growth within South Africa and across the continent.