To mark the formal collaboration of a scientific partnership between scientists at Afrigen and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, a scientific colloquium hybrid event on enhancing mRNA vaccine production was held on 8 July 2022 in Cape Town and virtually.

The event brought together leading scientists and explored the potential of mRNA technology in addressing much needed vaccines for communicable diseases and beyond.

Various aspects of the Hub Programme were explored:

  • A close focus on the science of mRNA and the potential it presents for LMIC (vaccine innovation and manufacturing capabilities).
  • How can we ensure that mRNA technology is still on the world agenda?
  • What are the other possibilities/advantages of this technology?
  • Pandemic preparedness – what is there to come in the future?

Panelists:

  • Dr Barney Graham, Keynote Speaker, Deputy Director, NIAID
  • Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chief Scientist, World Health Organization
  • Mr Gray Handley, Associate Director for International Research Affairs, NIAID
  • Prof Patrick Arbuthnot, University of WITS
  • Dr Karin Bok, Vaccine Research Center, NIH
  • Dr Jason Gall, Vacine Research Center, NIH
  • Dr Caryn Fenner, Scientific Director, Afrigen
  • Prof Glenda Gray, Executive Director, SAMRC
  • Prof Petro Terblanche, CEO, Afrigen
  • Consul General Todd Haskell, US Mission, South Africa
  • Representatives from the Ministry of Health and Department of Science and Innovation

The event was moderated by Mr. Charles Gore, Executive Director, Medicines Patent Pool.

 

Access the presentations:

The Challenges and Promise of mRNA in Global Public Health and Medicine

Dr Barney Graham

NIH Collaboration with South Africa

Mr. Gray Handley

Vaccine Research Centre (VRC) – Afrigen Research Collaboration

Dr Karin Bok

VRC/NIAID Pandemic Preparednesss: VRC-Afrigen Research Collaboration

Dr Jason Gall