REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Business Development Expert for mRNA-based technology Partnerships

Deadline for applications: 30th of April 2025

Location: remote

Type of assignment: Consultancy

BACKGROUND

Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), a non-profit organization 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.

In this respect, MPP has already conducted in collaboration with an external consultant a thorough landscaping of mRNA-based vaccine/therapeutics candidates (for both communicable and non-communicable diseases) that are currently under clinical development and prioritized some that could be of interest for co-development and in-licensing partnerships.

THE ROLE

The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is seeking a Business Development Expert to support its mRNA Technology Transfer Programme in engaging with mRNA-based products (vaccines and/or therapeutics) developers worldwide. The objective is to initiate discussions with small and large pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and academic institutions developing mRNA and other RNA-based candidates for infectious and non-communicable diseases.

The selected expert will play a key role in establishing mutually beneficial partnerships, collaborations, seeking both co-development and in-licensing partnerships with MPP’s network of RNA manufacturing partners.

SCOPE OF WORK

The Business Development Expert will be responsible for:

1. Assessing the strategic fit with the MPP team of mRNA-candidates within MPP’s and WHO’s mRNA programme.
2. Engaging with developers (originators and IP holders), including pharma companies, biotech firms, and universities, to explore potential partnerships and collaborations.
3. Introducing MPP’s role and value proposition, explaining how partnerships can support global access to innovative mRNA products, while mutually benefitting the originator/ developer.
4. Initiating discussions on potential licensing, co-development, and technology transfer opportunities.
5. Facilitating early-stage introductions / negotiations and ensuring alignment between developers and MPP’s manufacturing partners.
6. Providing business intelligence on trends in mRNA and RNA-based products development.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

The ideal candidate should have:

• Strong and documented experience in business development and portfolio management within the biopharmaceutical, vaccine, or life sciences sector.
• Strong understanding of mRNA technology applications.
• Prior documented consultancy experience.
• A strong network within pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and academic institutions developing RNA-based products.
• Demonstrated experience in licensing, co-development partnerships deals, and technology transfer, particularly in the vaccine space.
• Ability to autonomously engage with stakeholders, explain MPP’s mission, and articulate the benefits of partnering with MPP.
• Understanding of manufacturing partnerships in products development.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Interested candidates should submit a proposal including:

1. A cover letter outlining their experience and suitability for the role.
2. A detailed CV highlighting relevant business development experience in the pharmaceutical sector.
3. Examples of past business development engagements (confidential details can be anonymized).
4. Proposed approach and strategy for engaging with developers.
5. Expected consultancy fees (in USD) considering:
6. an envisaged 4-month contract;
7. 1 FTE at 60% (or equivalent) to execute the scope of work for approximately 10 mRNA candidate developers (a mix of pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and academic institutions located worldwide).
8. Availability.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

All proposals should be submitted by the 30th of April 2025 to recruitment@medicinespatentpool.org with the subject line: “Proposal – Business Development Expert (mRNA Programme).”

Additional technical information can be requested by contacting the following e-mail address: technologytransfer@medicinespatentpool.org

We look forward to receiving your proposals and collaborating to advance global access to mRNA and RNA-based products.