World Health Organization
The WHO-MPP mRNA Technology Transfer Programme: Strengthening health security and pandemic preparedness in LMICs
Host: L. Banks
Abstract
The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme 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 technology transfer “hub”, which is located in South Africa. While the Programme was initially focusing on mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, it has been designed to encourage the development of other mRNA vaccines and therapeutics gainst important diseases that threaten LMICs, thereby ensuring the capacity built by the project is sustained and available to combat the next pandemic. The seminar will provide an overview of the Programme and the approach taken to develop the core mRNA technology and conduct technology transfer of this to the fourteen programme partners worldwide. It will also consider the role of flexible biomanufacturing models, and the importance of building R&D capability and R&D consortia targeting regional pathogens to drive the establishment of sustainable GMP-grade mRNA biomanufacturing capacity in LMICs.
Bio
Dr Martin Nicholson is a vaccine and biopharmaceutical manufacturing expert and is a consultant in the Health Systems Division of the World Health Organization. He works on the Health Technology Access Programme (HTAP) and mRNA Technology Transfer Programme,focusing on sustainability, policy, business models and related activities. He has over 14 years’ experience in local production and previously led UNIDO’s vaccine manufacturing support activities, within its global project on local production of medicines and other health products. He has also worked in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, as well as biotechnology-focused venture capital and investment banking. He has a DPhil (PhD) in immunology from Oxford University, and a BSc in biochemistry from Imperial College, London. Dr Nicholson is an advisor to Sheffield University on the UK-SEA VaxHub project.
International Seminar Programme
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