The WHO and Medicines Patent Pool's mRNA Technology Transfer Programme is transitioning to Phase 2.0 (2026-2030), moving from proof of concept to commercially sustainable manufacturing in 15 partner countries across Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and Asia.
The initiative aims to empower regional manufacturers to scale up GMP-grade production of mRNA vaccines for pandemic and priority diseases including influenza, TB, HIV, malaria, dengue, and leishmaniasis, as well as mRNA therapeutics for oncology applications.
Several manufacturers including Bio-Manguinhos, Sinergium, BioFarma, and Biovac are already piloting investment roadmaps with detailed market and regulatory modeling, while Afrigen Biologics is approaching GMP accreditation.
The programme faces structural challenges including misinformation, vaccine hesitancy, shifting donor funding priorities, high clinical trial costs, and the need for supportive procurement policies to ensure sustainability.