The mRNA vaccine technology transfer programme
The mRNA Technology Transfer (mRNA TT) Programme aims to build sustainable regional production of mRNA-based health products, preparing for future pandemics and ensuring sustainability in-between global health emergencies.
Programme partners receive know-how, technology and training from the hub. Partners should be able to share expertise and improvements with others in the network in the longer term.
Announced on 21 June 2021, the programme initially focused on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine development and production, with a hub located at Afrigen in Cape Town, South Africa. This hub includes Afrigen, Biovac and the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC). Biovac, a South African vaccine producer, was the first partner to receive the technology.
As of 1 May 2025, the mRNA TT programme has 15 partners – the hub and 14 manufacturing partners, with participation still expanding. It is working to expand research and development (R&D) collaboration and networks, with the aim of establishing R&D consortia to address regional and local priority diseases.
The programme initially focused on developing mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The programme has evolved to catalyse the development of other mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics (e.g. monoclonal antibodies) against diseases that threaten low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The aim is to establish sustainable mRNA production, so in the case of a health emergency, such as a pandemic, it can be quickly repurposed to address the new threat.
The mRNA TT Programme was integrated into the Health Technology Access Programme (HTAP) in 2024. HTAP is a WHO initiative that advances global equitable access to health products and health security by expanding regional innovation and manufacturing capacity.
Roles and responsibilities
Co-led by WHO and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme has been integrated with the Health Technology Access Programme (HTAP).
WHO brings global expertise to support product development, working across the whole value chain. The organization can assist with training, good manufacturing practices, quality management, regulation and liaising with national authorities.
The Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) covers areas including funding, legal frameworks, intellectual property, relationships with civil society organizations, communications and support for the technology transfer process.
Key achievements to date
- Afrigen developed its own COVID-19 mRNA vaccine technology.
- First technology transfer completed in September 2024, to Biovac, with 3 additional partners receiving technology in 2024.
- Increased capacity to produce safe and effective mRNA health products, in countries with no prior foundation of skills, equipment, technology and know-how.
- Innovations, such as the synthesis of new lipids, which are used to make mRNA-based products.
Looking ahead, WHO is supporting the establishment of R&D consortia to address priority diseases in LMICs and to expand mRNA production to address regional health priorities. The programme has identified 8 targets for the R&D consortia to address, including diseases as well as components to make mRNA-based products, such as lipids.
Partners
Supported by the hub in South Africa, there are 14 additional global partners across the 6 WHO regions, in Argentina, Bangladesh, Brazil, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Serbia, Tunisia, Ukraine and Vietnam.
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The original consortium, known as the hub, in South Africa, includes Afrigen Biologics, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Biovac, a South African vaccine producer.
To support the Programme’s development, WHO partners with and receives financial contributions from the: Government of Belgium; European Union; Government of Flanders, Belgium; German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. In-service contributions are also received from the Government of the People’s Republic of China and Republic of France. The contents presented here are the sole responsibility of WHO and do not necessarily reflect the views of the donors. The full list of donors to the Programme can be found on the website of the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).
