13 June 2025
13 June 2025, Johannesburg – In parallel with the G20 Health Working Group, global health leaders are coming together in Johannesburg to set the foundation for a bold new phase of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme – a pioneering initiative transitioning from proof of concept to sustainable, commercially viable manufacturing, while enhancing pandemic preparedness and regional health security.
Launched in 2021 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), with the support of the Government of South Africa, France, Belgium, Canada, the European Union, Germany and Norway, the programme has successfully enabled 15 partners across Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia to receive foundational mRNA technology. Now, it is moving into Phase 2.0 (2026–2030): Empowering regional manufacturers to scale up Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) -grade, commercially sustainable production of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics.
“This is no longer a question of whether low- and middle-income countries can develop and produce mRNA technologies — they are doing it,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “The task before us now is to ensure they can do so sustainably, competitively and in ways that address the health priorities of their regions and their people. The recently adopted pandemic agreement highlights the critical importance of building equitable manufacturing capacity as a global public good, and the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme offers a powerful example of that vision being realized.”
“This is a unique opportunity, driven by the pandemic. The foundations are in place — but without sustained political will, the promise of equitable mRNA access could slip through our fingers.” said Charles Gore, Executive Director of the Medicines Patent Pool. “What we need now is the courage to build on our investment to date, to align, and to realise the full value and impact of what we started.”
Now is the moment to plan for the future, the Programme is moving from simple technology acquisition to defining how each partner will translate it into real-world impact. Each manufacturer is now focused on developing an economic case for long-term, flexible, and commercially viable manufacturing — with the capacity to produce mRNA vaccines in inter-pandemic periods and pivoting rapidly in response to future health emergencies.
Product focus areas include:
“We have successfully progressed with the technology transfer to eight partners — a testament to the strength and openness of this platform,” said Prof. Petro Terblanche, CEO of Afrigen Biologics. “What comes next is even more exciting: Afrigen is on the cusp of receiving GMP accreditation, positioning us not only as a technology originator but as a sustainable manufacturing and innovation partner for the Global South. We will continue to work with local and global partners on the development of new vaccines prioritizing the burden of disease in LMICs”
The 2.0 phase recognises that there is no one-size-fits-all model. Manufacturers will develop tailored business strategies based on national health needs and policy, regulatory maturity and regional market dynamics. Some, like Bio-Manguinhos and Sinergium in Latin America, BioFarma in Indonesia, and Biovac in South Africa, are already piloting investment roadmaps with detailed market, regulatory, and COGS (cost of goods sold) modelling. Others will receive bespoke support to develop their investment cases.
Crucially, sustainability will depend on country and regional-level procurement commitments, pooled purchasing mechanisms, and cross-border alignment — especially in Africa and Asia, where national markets alone may be insufficient to support GMP-level manufacturing scale.
“We need to back science with smart policy,” said Dr. Mmboneni Muofhe of South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. “This is about creating a new ecosystem for public health security, grounded in regional ownership, long-term strategy and investments.”
While market opportunities for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics are growing — from seasonal influenza and HPV to innovative cancer treatments — the Programme acknowledges structural hurdles:
The Programme highlights both the growing interest in regional R&D consortia focused on disease targets of regional relevance like leishmaniasis and malaria, and the drive to advance next-generation technologies focussing on dose sparing, reduced cost of goods and thermostability.
Media Contact: Gelise McCullough Director of Communications, Medicines Patent Pool gmccullough@medicinespatentpool.org +41 79 685 64 36
For more information www.mrnaprogramme.org
About the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme was launched in 2021 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) to address the need for equitable access to mRNA vaccine technology in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This initiative aims to build mRNA manufacturing capacity in LMICs, empowering them to produce mRNA vaccines locally and ensuring rapid response capabilities in the event of future pandemics. By fostering collaboration among a global network of partners, the Programme advances research and development, supports the establishment of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)-certified facilities, and enables LMICs to achieve self-sustaining vaccine production. Funders of the Programme until 2026, include: Belgium, Canada, the European Commission, France, Germany, Norway, the Government of South Africa, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), and the ELMA Foundation.
About WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialised agency of the United Nations dedicated to promoting global health and well-being. Founded in 1948, WHO leads efforts to combat infectious diseases, address health emergencies, and promote universal health coverage worldwide. Through its partnerships, policymaking, and capacity-building initiatives, WHO plays a crucial role in coordinating global health responses and supporting countries in achieving equitable access to healthcare. In the context of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, the WHO provides strategic guidance and technical support to facilitate vaccine access and preparedness in LMICs.
About Afrigen Afrigen Biologics and Vaccines, headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing vaccine and biological production in Africa. As a key partner in the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, Afrigen has spearheaded efforts to develop and manufacture Africa’s first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, AfriVac 2021. With a mission to foster health innovation and capacity-building in the Global South, Afrigen leads in R&D, technology transfer, and training, playing an essential role in building a self-sufficient, resilient biomanufacturing network for Africa.
About the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) MPP is a United Nations-backed public health organisation focused on improving access to life-saving medicines in LMICs. Established in 2010 by Unitaid, MPP works with partners to license essential medicines and health technologies, fostering innovation and affordability in the areas of HIV, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases and COVID-19. MPP’s role in the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme includes coordinating with manufacturers, ensuring sustainable R&D practices, and facilitating technology sharing to accelerate mRNA vaccine production across LMICs.
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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.