BioNTech SE and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) have announced an expansion of their strategic partnership aimed at creating a sustainable and resilient vaccine ecosystem in Africa. This collaboration involves CEPI committing up to US $145 million to support BioNTech in establishing advanced mRNA vaccine research and manufacturing capabilities at their facility in Kigali, Rwanda. This initiative aims to prepare Africa for potential future epidemic and pandemic threats.
The Kigali Facility: A Milestone in African Vaccine Production
BioNTech’s commercial-scale manufacturing facility in Kigali, which was first announced in 2021 and inaugurated in December 2023, represents a significant step forward. The facility is based on BioNTech’s innovative BioNTainers, modular units designed for the high-tech production of a variety of mRNA-based vaccines. This Kigali facility could become Africa’s first commercial mRNA vaccine manufacturing site, aligning with the African Union’s and Africa CDC’s goal to produce 60% of the continent’s vaccine needs by 2040.
Commitment to Equitable Access
Under the terms of their agreement, BioNTech intends to provide affordable access to its vaccines manufactured at the Kigali facility to low and middle-income countries, with priority given to African nations. The focus will be on vaccines against diseases such as malaria, mpox, and tuberculosis, pending successful development and authorization. BioNTech and CEPI will also collaborate to respond swiftly to outbreaks caused by known viral threats or emerging pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential.
Enhancing Africa’s Pandemic Preparedness
The expanded partnership between BioNTech and CEPI aims to bolster Africa’s pandemic preparedness through three key areas:
- Commercial-Scale Manufacturing:
- CEPI’s funding will support regulatory authorization for the Kigali facility starting in 2025. In the event of an outbreak, BioNTech will dedicate up to half of the facility’s capacity to produce emergency response mRNA vaccines, contributing to the 100 Days Mission. This global initiative, spearheaded by CEPI and supported by the G7, G20, and industry leaders, aims to develop vaccines within 100 days of an outbreak.
- Clinical-Scale Manufacturing:
- A significant portion of CEPI’s funding will be allocated to establishing clinical-scale manufacturing capabilities for mRNA-based vaccines at the Kigali facility. This will enable BioNTech to support clinical and commercial-scale production, strengthening the wider African vaccine development ecosystem.
- Strengthening the R&D Ecosystem:
- CEPI’s funding will also support BioNTech’s efforts to dedicate manufacturing capacities to third-party projects, aiding pre-clinical and clinical activities by African researchers, academic groups, local businesses, public-private partnerships, and non-profits. This collaborative approach aims to enhance R&D activities for novel mRNA-based vaccines against epidemic or pandemic threats.
Leadership Comments and Support
Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, emphasized the importance of equitable vaccine access and regional production to prevent the inequities witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prof. Ugur Sahin, CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech, highlighted the partnership as a crucial step in establishing a sustainable mRNA vaccine ecosystem in Africa.
Rwanda’s Minister of Health, Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, expressed the government’s commitment to addressing vaccine inequities, while Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, noted that local development and manufacturing are key to rapid and equitable vaccine access. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus underscored the importance of diversified production to ensure a more equitable global health response.
Conclusion
The expanded partnership between BioNTech and CEPI represents a significant milestone in building a resilient and sustainable vaccine ecosystem in Africa. By enhancing local manufacturing capabilities, fostering R&D, and ensuring equitable vaccine access, this collaboration aims to improve Africa’s pandemic preparedness and health security, paving the way for a more robust and self-sufficient healthcare infrastructure across the continent.
