Germany-based Merck KGaA’s Life Science business sector has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Afrigen Biologics to advance the development of an mRNA vaccine technology platform.
The deal bolsters its mRNA platform manufacturing expertise, scales up manufacturing, optimises processes and offers troubleshooting capabilities.
Merck will contribute to the centre of excellence and training initiatives of Afrigen.
These efforts are designed to build capacity in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) for producing mRNA vaccines and therapeutics.
Bert de Vet, Merck Life Science business sector commercial Europe, Middle East and Africa process solutions head, stated: “Leveraging our comprehensive chemical portfolio and custom production capabilities, we offer cutting-edge experience for mRNA manufacturing, ensuring a seamless journey from research to production.
“Our alliance with Afrigen for mRNA technology platform development echoes our commitment to fostering equitable access to life-saving therapies for global health.”
The partnership is part of a broader mRNA technology transfer programme led jointly by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).
This programme is centred around a South African consortium tasked with establishing and validating an mRNA manufacturing platform at a central site called the 'hub'. This technology platform will then be transferred to partners.
The Afrigen-based mRNA vaccine tech transfer programme is set to provide a comprehensive transfer of knowledge, enabling the existing 15 recipient manufacturers to manufacture and provide mRNA vaccines at scale.
The initiative will support clinical development, national/regional marketing authorisation and WHO prequalification, and ensure a viable supply to meet the vaccine demand locally and regionally.
Afrigen Biologics CEO Petro Terblanche said: “The platform at Afrigen provides access to mRNA technology for 15 partners in LMICs and straddles the entire vaccine value chain from research and development (R&D) to good manufacturing practices manufacturing.
“Following the launch of the programme in 2021, we have successfully developed mRNA vaccine technology R&D and production capabilities.”
In June 2024, Merck KGaA announced a €62m ($66.6m) investment to construct a new quality control facility for its Life Science business at Darmstadt in Germany.
