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mRNA 4th Scientific Colloquium on establishing R&D consortia in South-East Asia to advance mRNA vaccine development up to proof of concept

Thank you for joining the 4th mRNA Scientific Colloquium, an illuminating webinar where the latest developments in mRNA technology transfer programme was showcased, particularly the strides taken within the burgeoning R&D consortia in South-East Asia.
In the wake of the productive WHO/MPP regional meeting in Bangkok last November, we are excited to reveal how these newly formed consortia are leading the charge in driving mRNA research and development from concept to reality.

The organization lead for each consortium offered a presentation of their commitment to join the mRNA Programme and collaborate for the research and development against an endemic disease of the South-East region:

Dengue Vaccine Progress: The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) as lead presented on dengue and R&D opportunities, in collaboration with Chula VRC, Chulalongkorn University, and manufacturing partners from Bangladesh and Indonesia.
Battling HFMD: Hilleman Labs shared insights into the consortium’s efforts in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), alongside Chula VRC, Chulalongkorn University, the National University of Singapore, and Vietnamese partners.
Therapeutic HPV Solutions: Discover the pioneering work of Chula VRC, Chulalongkorn University in spearheading the therapeutic human papillomavirus (HPV) and opportunities in mRNA product development.
Malaria Vaccine Initiative: Learn about Mahidol University’s role in Plasmodium vivax malaria R&D, in collaboration with Chula VRC and Chulalongkorn University.

Following the presentations, an engaging panel discussion happened on how these regional R&D consortia are enriching the ecosystem in South-East Asia and beyond. Esteemed panellists from the Rights Foundation, the Asian Development Bank, the Hong Kong Jockey Club, CEPI, and Afrigen shared their valuable perspectives on regional R&D ecosystem and collaboration.

Click Here To Watch Event Video

The mRNA Programme and this colloquium is more than an event; it’s a collaborative effort to empower low- and middle-income countries through cutting-edge mRNA technology, targeting diseases that significantly impact a region. We will also be looking ahead towards establishing further consortia in other regions in LMICs to contribute to a shared development agenda and by participating, you will be at the forefront of these transformative endeavours.

AGENDA – 18 March 2024 (17:00 HK time)

17.00-17.05	Opening remarks	Dr Martin Friede, Unit Head, Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals, World Health Organization
17.05-17.15	Presentation 1 – Dengue R&D consortium	Dr Jerome Kim, Director General, International Vaccine Institute
17.15-17.25	Presentation 2 – Hand, foot and mouth disease R&D consortium	Dr Raman Rao, Chief Executive Officer, Hilleman Laboratories
17.25-17.35	Presentation 3 – Therapeutic human papillomavirus R&D consortium	Dr Kiat Ruxrungtham, Professor of Medicine, Chula VRC, Faculty of Medicine, School of Global Health, Chulalongkorn University
17.35-17.45	Presentation 4 – Plasmodium vivax malaria R&D consortium	Professor Dr Jetsumon Sattabongkot Prachumsri, Director, Mahidol Vivax Research Unit
17.45-17.50	Signing of the ‘Declaration of Commitment’
17.50-18.10	How the R&D Consortia will enhance the Ecosystem Panel discussion – Moderator, Charles Gore, Executive Director, MPP Leading question: In what way will regional R&D consortia enhance the ecosystem, what is your vision for this going forward?	Panellists Petro Terblanche, Chief Executive Officer, Afrigen Biologics Hani Kim, Executive Director, RIGHT Foundation Eduardo Banzon, Principal Health Specialist, Asian Development Bank In-Kyu Yoon, Acting Executive Director of Research & Development, CEPI Gabriel Leung, Executive Director, Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust
18.10-18.20	Q&A
18.20-18.25	Closing Remarks	Duccio Medini, Committee Member, mSAC

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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 and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). 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.