Geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new initiative to accelerate the development of mRNA vaccines against human avian influenza (H5N1), a virus that poses a significant threat to global public health.
The initiative, part of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, aims to build capacity in low- and middle-income countries for the development and production of mRNA-based vaccines. Sinergium Biotech, an Argentinian manufacturer, will lead this effort, leveraging the WHO and Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) mRNA Technology Transfer Programme.
Sinergium Biotech has developed candidate H5N1 vaccines and aims to establish proof-of-concept in preclinical models. The initiative aims to accelerate the development of H5N1 vaccine candidates, bolstering global pandemic preparedness efforts.
“The launch of this initiative marks a significant step forward in our efforts to combat human avian influenza,” said Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s Technical Lead for COVID-19 and Emerging Diseases. “We are committed to ensuring equitable access to vaccines and strengthening global pandemic preparedness.”
The WHO has emphasized the need for continued investment in pandemic preparedness and response, highlighting the importance of innovative technologies like mRNA vaccines in addressing global health threats.