Terms of reference - Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (PDVAC)

Overview

Established in 2014, the Product Development for Vaccines Advisory Committee (PDVAC) is an independent standing WHO committee of experts which provides external advice to WHO’s Department on Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (IVB) related to vaccine and antibody candidates for infectious diseases, generally at the Phase 2 stage of clinical evaluation or earlier. The committee’s remit covers disease areas where there is, or may be, substantial disease burden in low and middle income countries (LMICs), where none of these products currently exist, but where there is some ongoing product development activity which may benefit from WHO guidance. This committee may also have a role where vaccines are already licensed, and development of improved products, including novel presentations or innovative immunization technologies is a priority for WHO. PDVAC may also provide input, when requested, into vaccine and biological related activities that fall outside of its primary scope (for example in support of the WHO Research and Development Blueprint to prevent pandemics).

PDVAC is briefed on Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) recommendations within the product development area, and provides reports to SAGE on its activities.