2 March 2023
The mRNA vaccine Technology Transfer Programme was set up to address the inequalities in access to COVID-19 vaccines in low- and middle-income countries, especially in Africa. Formally established in July 2021, the objective of the Programme is to increase access to mRNA vaccines made closer to home by establishing manufacturing capacity and to develop skilled human capital in regions where mRNA vaccine manufacturing capacity is established or can be enhanced.
In August 2022, scientists at Biogeneric Pharma, Egypt traveled to Afrigen for training. For the team, this was the first training in mRNA technology.
Press and Media
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) is a United Nations-backed public health organisation working to increase access to and facilitate the development of life-saving medicines for low- and middle-income countries. Through its innovative business model, MPP partners with 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.
To date, MPP has signed agreements with 22 patent holders for 13 HIV antiretrovirals, one HIV technology platform, three hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals, a tuberculosis treatment, a cancer treatment, four long-acting technologies, a post-partum haemorrhage medicine, three oral antiviral treatments for COVID-19 and 16 COVID-19 technologies.
MPP was founded by Unitaid, which continues to be MPP’s main funder. MPP’s work on access to essential medicines is also funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Government of Canada, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Government of Flanders. MPP’s activities in COVID-19 are undertaken with the financial support of the Japanese Government, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and SDC.