Dr. Heba Wali during the MPP visit to BioGeneric Pharma, Cairo, Egypt, February 2025

As a leader in the biopharmaceutical industry, and with over two decades’ experience in vaccine production and accessibility, Dr Heba Wali is at the forefront of accelerating action and innovation in Egypt’s vaccine development. Her work at BioGeneric Pharma (BGP) as General Manager is not just about science and technology; it is about ensuring that life-saving vaccines are accessible and that the world is better prepared for future health challenges. On this International Women’s Day, Dr Wali shares her insights, experiences and hopes for the future.

A Vision for Cutting-Edge Vaccine Development

“At BGP, we have built a state-of-the-art facility that encompasses all stages of vaccine development – from research and development (R&D) to production, quality control (QC), and storage. Every aspect of our work complies with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and international regulations. Our facility is equipped with advanced automation, including electronic Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), ensuring data integrity and information security.”

Dr Wali is not just leading a team; she is cultivating a scientific community. “A key part of our success lies in the people. We have invested in building the capacity of our personnel, ensuring that our scientists are well-trained and equipped to drive forward vaccine innovation. Our team consists of highly qualified scientists, and we are continuously building capacity in both infrastructure and human resources.”

Overcoming Challenges and Paving the Way for Women in Science

“At BGP, we are proud to champion women in science. Women make up 40 per cent of our staff, and 70 per cent of them have earned degrees from Egyptian universities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where women scientists can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology.

As a woman leading in a highly technical and competitive field, Dr Wali reflects on the broader role of women in science. “Women bring unique perspectives to scientific research, leadership, and problem-solving. It is essential that we continue to break barriers and create opportunities for more women to take on leadership roles in biotechnology and public health. When we empower women in science, we strengthen global health security.”

Watch the video to learn more about our commitment to women in science.

‘Collaboration is essential’

A major focus for BGP has been the advancement of mRNA technology. BGP is one of the 15  generic manufacturing companies selected in 2021 to receive technology transfer packages from South Africa-based Afrigen – as part of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, co-led by WHO and MPP. The Programme’s aim is to foster the development of locally- and regionally-produced vaccines. Scientists from BGP undertook the initial technology training sessions at Afrigen in August 2022 and are scheduled for the technology transfer of the platform from Afrigen later this year.

Dr Wali emphasises the importance of knowledge sharing and partnerships achieved through the Programme. “We are actively collaborating with universities and research institutions, and have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Afrigen for further cooperation in mRNA technology. This will enable our scientists to digest the technology fully and transition from bench-scale batches to pilot production and, ultimately, commercialisation in the coming years.”

‘We believe in the power of innovation’

Overseeing the entire process at BGP, one of Dr. Wali’s proudest achievements has been the expansion of BGP’s research and development capabilities. “We invest heavily in R&D because we believe in the power of innovation,” she says.

“Our facility was already GMP-certified for fill and finish, and now we are designing our QC lab with new equipment to support this initiative,” she says. BGP prides itself too on automation and compliance, maintaining a high-quality system that meets ISO standards.

“Developing vaccines is not an easy journey – it takes years of research, investment, and dedication. One of our biggest challenges has been securing funding. Investors and banks often hesitate to finance R&D projects because outcomes are uncertain. Yet, without investment in early-stage research, there can be no progress. This is why we need stronger global collaboration to support funding initiatives that drive vaccine innovation.”

BGP’s ultimate objective is to move from lab-scale batches to drug substance pilot batches and eventually commercial production. “By next year, with additional funding, we will complete R&D and drug substance phases, we will be ready to face any pandemic – not only for Egypt but for Africa as well.”

Meeting Vaccine Targets

BGP is positioning itself as a regional leader in vaccine production. “We are prepared,” says Dr. Wali. “We are working with cutting-edge technology – and we are ready to contribute to global health security.”

As she looks ahead, Dr. Wali remains as committed as ever to expanding BGP’s reach, fostering collaboration. “That’s why I welcome the mRNA Progamme’s potential enabling role in the production of mRNA technologies at BGP. We look forward to a long-term and productive relationship with all the Programme Partners. At the end of the day, the work of both BGP and mRNA Technology Transfer Programme is about people,” she says. “That’s what keeps me going.”

Dr Wali’s journey is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and collaboration. “By 2030, Egypt aims to produce 30 per cent of its vaccines locally, and Africa as a whole has set a target to manufacture 35 per cent of its vaccines within the continent. BGP is committed to playing a leading role in achieving these goals. “Science has no borders, and neither should our commitment to public health. Let us work together – governments, scientists, investors, and policymakers – to ensure that vaccine innovation benefits everyone, everywhere.”