Vaccine Manufacturing Partnership Expands Capacity Through Technology Transfer
In a significant move to strengthen global health security, major vaccine manufacturing partnerships are expanding production capacity through comprehensive technology transfer programs, specialized training initiatives, and supply chain localization efforts. The World Health Organization's mRNA Technology Transfer (mRNA TT) Programme, launched in June 2021, has become a cornerstone of this global effort, now involving 15 partners across 6 WHO regions.
'We're building sustainable regional production of mRNA-based health products to prepare for future pandemics and ensure health security between emergencies,' says a WHO spokesperson about the program co-led by WHO and Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).
Technology Transfer and Training Initiatives
The WHO and Republic of Korea's Ministry of Health and Welfare are offering a 2025 hands-on training program for mRNA vaccine manufacturing through the Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing (GTH-B). This 7-week program includes a 3-week online pre-training module followed by practical training at Korean biomanufacturing facilities. The program targets 20 participants from low- and middle-income countries who work as technicians, engineers, scientists, or managers in biomanufacturing with up to 6 years of experience.
According to WHO's announcement, applicants must be citizens and residents of LMICs, employed by registered biomanufacturing companies, and have intermediate English proficiency. The application deadline is August 15, 2025, with priority given to those who have completed GTH-B introductory courses.
Supply Chain Localization Efforts
A recent WHO report reveals that global vaccine manufacturing is highly concentrated, with just 10 companies controlling 78% of all vaccine doses worldwide. The analysis shows no single country or region can meet its immunization needs independently, highlighting global interdependence. Africa faces particular challenges, relying on other regions for 99% of its vaccine supply, though initiatives like the African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator aim to reduce this dependency to 40% by 2040 with $1.2 billion in funding.
'Traditional vaccine production methods remain dominant, while innovative platforms like mRNA and viral vectors are primarily limited to the US and Europe due to intellectual property barriers and high R&D costs,' notes the WHO analysis.
Regional Manufacturing Expansion
In Africa, Gavi's African Manufacturing Accelerator ($1.2 billion investment) and BioNTech's modular 'BioNTainer' facility in Rwanda are advancing regional GMP capacity. Similar initiatives are underway in Asia, Latin America, and Oceania, with Moderna opening a commercial-scale mRNA plant in Australia. CEPI's Vaccine Manufacturing Facility Network connects global south manufacturers to improve outbreak readiness.
These programs aim to establish sustainable, geographically distributed vaccine production that can be rapidly repurposed during health emergencies while maintaining capacity between pandemics. The platform transfer initiative focuses on expanding global vaccine manufacturing capacity through technology transfer and training programs.
Challenges and Solutions
A 2023 study published in Vaccine journal examined challenges in upscaling vaccine manufacturing capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on approximately 80 interviews, roundtable discussions, and literature review, researchers identified key bottlenecks including: lack of manufacturing facilities, shortage of tech-transfer personnel, inefficient stakeholder arrangements, critical raw material shortages, and restrictive protectionist measures.
The study highlights the need for a central governing body to coordinate resource allocation and suggests solutions such as repurposing existing facilities, building flexibility into production processes, and geographical reengagement to simplify supply chains. Three overarching themes impacting vaccine production were identified: regulatory and visibility issues, collaboration and communication challenges, and funding and policy constraints.
Future Outlook
The 2025 analysis from Biopharma APAC examines how biopharma companies worldwide have transformed manufacturing and supply chains to build resilience following pandemic disruptions. Key trends include: North America's push for localized manufacturing with government incentives, exemplified by Merck's $1 billion AI-enhanced vaccine plant. Europe's focus on strategic autonomy through initiatives like HERA and BioNTech's mRNA facility in Rwanda.
Asia-Pacific's emergence as a manufacturing powerhouse, with nearly 40% of global expansion projects, including India's massive vaccine production capacity. Companies adopted digital twins, advanced analytics, nearshoring, and automation to optimize supply chains. The industry has shifted toward diversified sourcing, strategic stockpiling, and balancing cost with security, creating a more resilient global medicine delivery system.
The research emphasizes the extreme vulnerability of global pharmaceutical production chains to disruptions and calls for more resilience, particularly by empowering low-middle income countries to manufacture vaccines themselves. The study concludes that rethinking production systems for vaccines and essential medicines is crucial for better preparedness in future health crises.