TriLink BioTechnologies, a Maravai LifeSciences company (NASDAQ: MRVI), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance the research and development of mRNA-based vaccines with a focus on improving global health equity. The collaboration aims to develop innovative vaccine solutions while ensuring equitable access to essential vaccines and health technologies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Under the terms of the agreement, the organizations will explore collaborative models for developing vaccines using mRNA technologies, facilitate knowledge exchange, and support joint scientific initiatives that leverage their complementary expertise.
"This collaboration will not only advance the science of mRNA-based vaccines but may also significantly enhance access to life-saving vaccines in low- and middle-income countries," said Becky Buzzeo, Chief Commercial Officer of Maravai and TriLink. "By combining our expertise in nucleic acids with the International Vaccine Institute's global reach and commitment to public health, we are poised to profoundly impact global health equity."
Technological Expertise and Contributions
TriLink BioTechnologies brings significant technological capabilities to the partnership. The company's CleanCap® capping technology, launched in 2017, has become an industry standard and is currently used in the majority of approved COVID-19 mRNA and saRNA vaccines globally. This technology enhances mRNA stability and translation efficiency, critical factors in vaccine effectiveness.
In 2024, TriLink expanded its product portfolio specifically for mRNA therapeutics by launching in vitro transcription (IVT) enzymes, including CleanScribe™ RNA polymerase, which has demonstrated the ability to reduce double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), potentially improving safety profiles of mRNA therapeutics. The company also recently opened a commercially ready GMP manufacturing facility in San Diego, California, strengthening its production capabilities.
Global Health Impact and Disease Focus
IVI, headquartered in Seoul, Korea, brings extensive experience in global vaccine development and distribution. Established in 1997 as an initiative of the United Nations Development Program, the organization focuses exclusively on vaccines for global health, with particular emphasis on infectious diseases that disproportionately affect LMICs.
Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of IVI, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: "IVI is pleased to partner with TriLink BioTechnologies, a leading provider of life science reagents and services. This collaboration will empower the two organizations and our partners to accelerate the development and global delivery of advanced mRNA vaccines, especially to people in LMICs."
IVI's current portfolio includes vaccines at various stages of development for diseases including cholera, typhoid, chikungunya, shigella, salmonella, schistosomiasis, hepatitis E, HPV, and COVID-19. The organization has already achieved significant milestones, including the development of the world's first low-cost oral cholera vaccine and a new-generation typhoid conjugate vaccine, both of which received World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification.
Addressing Global Health Inequities
The partnership comes at a critical time when global health disparities remain pronounced. Despite advances in vaccine technology during the COVID-19 pandemic, access to innovative healthcare solutions continues to be uneven across different regions of the world.
By combining TriLink's technological innovations with IVI's global health expertise and distribution networks, the collaboration aims to address these inequities. The partnership will focus on developing vaccines that are not only scientifically advanced but also accessible and affordable for populations in resource-limited settings.
Future Directions and Potential Impact
While specific vaccine candidates have not yet been announced, the collaboration is expected to target diseases with significant burden in LMICs. The mRNA platform offers particular advantages for rapid development and adaptation to emerging pathogens, potentially enabling faster responses to disease outbreaks.
The partnership also represents a model for how private sector technology developers and nonprofit global health organizations can work together to advance scientific innovation while ensuring equitable access to the resulting products.
As mRNA technology continues to evolve beyond COVID-19 applications, this collaboration positions both organizations at the forefront of efforts to harness this platform for addressing a broader range of global health challenges, potentially transforming vaccine development and access for populations worldwide.
