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Request for Proposals - Vaccine Technology & Product Expert Consultant

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Vaccine Technology & Product Expert Consultant

Location: Geneva, Switzerland or remote

Type of assignment: Consultancy / Independent Contractor

BACKGROUND

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a non-profit organisation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is dedicated to improving global access to essential medicines through voluntary licensing and technology transfer.

Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with WHO, civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders, to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations. In addition, MPP is co-leading with WHO the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, which is a global initiative that aims to improve health and health security by establishing sustainable, locally owned mRNA manufacturing capabilities in and for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The Programme is based around a multi-lateral technology transfer model where a Consortium, located in South Africa, will provide the technology development, training and technology transfer. Currently, 15 Programme Partners in LMICs across the world are receiving training and technology through the Programme and will then produce and sell products commercially. Its core concept is empowerment. Initially, the Programme is focusing on mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, used as a proof-of-concept pathogen to demonstrate safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of the platform. However, the Programme is designed to encourage the development of other mRNA vaccines and therapeutics against important diseases that threaten LMICs, thereby ensuring the capacity built by the project is sustained and available to combat the next pandemic. One of the key principles of the Programme is to support access to innovation and technology; and thereby encouraging mRNA technology/vaccines developers to share knowledge and expertise via streamlined research collaboration(s) and/or technology transfer(s) is of significant importance.  Both early stage and approved mRNA technology(ies) to offer the broadest and most appropriate fit for LMICs are considered.

Activities related to monitoring and analysis of intellectual property related documentation (e.g., publications, patents) remain of paramount importance not only to guide the different research streams within the frame of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, but also to identify products and technologies with scientific and commercial value that might be of interest for in-licensing to Programme Partners.

THE ROLE

MPP is seeking an experienced consultant who in collaboration with MPP wider team will:

  • identify new patents and publications
  • assess their scientific and commercial value
  • evaluate the selected products and technologies for in-licensing

REQUIRED PROFILE:

  • Degree in relevant biomedical field required (M.Sc or Ph.D.)
  • Hands on experience in vaccines/therapeutics is a must with demonstrated knowledge in developing vaccines against disease targets, across multiple platforms such as mRNA, viral vectors, VLPs, and subunit proteins.
  • Ideally experience spanning through the product life cycle from R&D to market authorisation, including regulatory aspects of product authorisation and post authorisation activities.
  • Experience in low- middle- income countries priority pathogens is highly desirable.
  • Demonstrated experience in planning and overseeing projects from start to finish with the capability to report project progress to variety of stakeholders, including third parties, such as investors, regulatory authorities, governmental bodies etc.
  • Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary team.
  • Excellent communication skills, including professional/ scientific writing and ability to synthetise scientific information for scientific and non- scientific audiences.
  • Excellent command of / highly proficient in spoken and written English.
  • High level of personal integrity
  • Additional desired attributes encompass prior experience in/with LMICs, the ability to ‘effect change’, a creative and innovative mindset, strategic thinking paired with proficient problem-solving skills, collaborative nature, openness to new ideas, resilience, curiosity, adaptability, and expertise in risk assessment and mitigation.

ACTIVITIES TO PERFORM:

  • Identification of mRNA-based products and mRNA technologies that might be of interest for in-licensing based on scientific and commercial evaluations (identification to be performed through analysis of literature data, data extracted from the mRNA Beacon database, analysis of patents identified through a patent monitoring exercise performed by the MPP IP department).
  • Engagement in 1:1 discussion with African mRNA Technology Transfer Programme Partners and stakeholders with the objective to explore opportunities to in-license products/technologies.
  • Shortlisting of products/technologies based on assessments of African Programme Partners business interests.
  • Reporting of strategic discussions with African Programme Partners, and release of ad hoc follow-up plans.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES:

  • Identification of interesting mRNA-based products and mRNA technologies. This will be accomplished through a thorough analysis of existing literature, databases search, such as Beacon, analysis of patents identified through a patent monitoring exercise in collaboration with the MPP Patent Information Team.
  • Ad hoc research and scientific evaluation of new lipids structures (linked to research activities) as well as suggestions for alternative strategies on in-vitro transcription, new formulations, and other process improvements.
  • Creation of a shortlist of key products, methods, innovative equipment related to mRNA technology.
  • Creation of reports capturing key discussion points with Programme Partners.
  • Development of a follow-up plans outlining key recommendations and agreed upon actions.

EXPECTED RESULTS:

  • Comprehensive identification of mRNA-based products and technologies suitable for licensing.
  • Programme Partners provided with information on the latest developments on mRNA technologies and products to guide their research advancements and supported in making informed business decisions.
  • Programme Partners provided with a dedicated plan with concrete recommendations to follow up their activities and speed up processes to achieve the expected results.

SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Interested applicants who meet the requirements are requested to send their proposal in English including:

  • Statement of interest with an overall description of the approach proposed to respond to the expectations of this RFP, including the necessary requirements (proof of qualifications and skillset, examples of relevant experience, references from clients, etc.)
  • Proposed methodology to assess the products and technologies as described in this RFP
  • Timeline with an estimated number of days necessary to deliver the assignment.
  • Financial proposal in USD or CHF

to recruitment@medicinespatentpool.org mentioning “Vaccine Technology & Product Expert Consultant” in the email subject by 10 of May 2024.

All applicants must adhere to the MPP Conflict of Interest Policy and the Code of Ethics.

MPP will review the proposal after the application closing date. Please kindly note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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About Us

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with civil society, governments, international organisations, industry, patient groups, and other stakeholders to prioritise and license needed medicines and pool intellectual property to encourage generic manufacture and the development of new formulations.

To date, MPP has signed agreements with 22 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies.

MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Flanders. MPP’s activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and SDC.