In a landmark move toward African vaccine independence, three leading pharmaceutical companies have joined forces to revolutionize mRNA vaccine production across the continent. EVA Pharma, DNA Script, and Quantoom Biosciences have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the world's first digital-to-biologics, end-to-end mRNA production platform.
Innovative Technology Integration
The groundbreaking platform combines DNA Script's enzymatic DNA synthesis technologies with Quantoom's Ntensify mRNA synthesis and Ncapsulate formulation systems. EVA Pharma will contribute its expertise in vaccine development, GMP sterile manufacturing, and commercialization capabilities. This technological convergence promises to transform the traditional vaccine production timeline from years to mere weeks.
Production Goals and Regional Impact
The partnership aims to establish a manufacturing capacity of 100 million RNA-based vaccine doses annually, significantly strengthening Africa's biopharmaceutical autonomy. This initiative directly supports the Africa CDC's strategic objective of achieving 60% local vaccine production by 2040, while also advancing Egypt's ambitious target to produce 385 million vaccine doses annually by 2030.
Advanced Vaccine Development Focus
The collaboration will prioritize the development of next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, targeting both human and animal health applications. This versatile platform will enable rapid responses to infectious disease outbreaks while supporting routine immunization programs across the continent.
Leadership Perspectives
Dr. Riad Armanious, CEO of EVA Pharma, emphasized the transformative nature of the partnership: "This moment will reshape African and global health security as we know it. Our cross-continental collaboration will empower patients with next-generation, scalable, and versatile solutions that transform what once took years into a process achievable in weeks."
DNA Script's CEO Marc Montserrat highlighted the acceleration of vaccine development: "By dramatically reducing the time needed to produce DNA templates, and by enabling the synthesis of longer and more complex DNA sequences, we're helping ensure that innovative vaccine technology can reach those at highest risk during emerging epidemics more rapidly than ever before."
José Castillo, CEO of Quantoom Biosciences, underscored the partnership's broader impact: "This collaboration showcases the transformative power of combining complementary expertise across borders. Together, we are not only advancing RNA technologies but also addressing global health inequities by making life-saving vaccines and therapeutics accessible to underserved populations."
