Vaccines, inspiring innovation in health

Abstract

This report covers the topics of pandemics, epidemics and partnerships, including regulatory convergence initiatives, new technologies and novel vaccines, discussed by leading public and private sector stakeholders at the 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers’ Network (DCVMN). Contributions of Gavi and the vaccine industry from emerging countries to the growing global vaccine market, by improving the supply base from manufacturers in developing countries and contributing to 58% of doses, were highlighted. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and others reported on new strategies to ensure speedy progress in preclinical and clinical development of innovative vaccines for future MERS, Zika or other outbreak response. Priorities for vaccine stockpiling, to assure readiness during emergencies and to prevent outbreaks due to re-emerging diseases such as yellow fever, cholera and poliomyelitis, were outlined. The role of partnerships in improving global vaccine access, procurement and immunization coverage, and shared concerns were reviewed. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other international collaborating partners provided updates on the Product, Price and Procurement database, the prequalification of vaccines, the control of neglected tropical diseases, particularly the new rabies elimination initiative, and regulatory convergence proposals to accelerate vaccine registration in developing countries. Updates on supply chain innovations and novel vaccine platforms were presented. The discussions enabled members and partners to reflect on efficiency of research & development, supply chain tools and trends in packaging technologies improving delivery of existing vaccines, and allowing a deeper understanding of the current public-health objectives, industry financing, and global policies, required to ensure optimal investments, alignment and stability of vaccine supply in developing countries.

COVID-19 in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: a Review of the Current Literature

“…Vaccines are powerful tools for controlling pandemic respiratory viruses [ 73 ]. In December 2020, two vaccines containing messenger RNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (mRNA-1273 (Moderna) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech)) were authorized for emergency use in many countries based on promising efficacy data from phase III trials in immunocompetent adults [ 74 , 75 ].…”

Global access to COVID-19 vaccines: a scoping review of factors that may influence equitable access for low and middle-income countries

“…The findings from this scoping review further suggest that the ability of a country to implement a mass vaccination programme is an important factor that may influence equitable access 23. Vaccination programmes are resource intensive; therefore, to maximise the benefit of COVID-19 vaccines and reduce waste due to improper implementation, it has been suggested that allocation frameworks should consider a country’s ability to vaccinate 1 13 23 24 27 52 62 63. Most LMICs have well-structured immunisation programmes for polio, measles, smallpox, etc, facilitated by organisations such as UNICEF and Gavi, which could support a large-scale pandemic vaccination programme.…”

“…For example, preformed plastic vials are being successfully used for oral rotavirus and cholera vaccines. 62 Data solutions should also be considered, as these could support alternative vaccine delivery systems for target groups, as well as being an important tool to capture the populations' vaccination history. 28 Smooth regulatory and market authorisation processes for vaccines can facilitate the distribution of vaccines.…”

“…More than half of the countries in the world lack robust programmes to tackle seasonal influenza, despite most associated death and severe disease from influenza occurring in countries of the Global South 63. The down prioritisation of seasonal influenza vaccination for older populations in LMICs compared with HICs is a vulnerability for the roll-out of COVID-19 vaccines 30 33 62 63. Ruscio and Hotez noted that an attempt to fill this gap has been made by the recently published WHO Global Influenza Strategy 2019–2030 63…”

Roadmap for strengthening the vaccine supply chain in emerging countries: Manufacturers' perspectives

“…There is increasing attention to new packaging technologies including blow-fill-seal (BFS) tube technology, multi-component containers and smart packaging, while intradermal delivery devices, microarray patches (MAPs) and sublingual delivery represent new delivery technologies [7] . BFS technology used for inactivated cholera vaccine has reduced package volume by 30% and shipping weight by over 50%, improving storage, transportation and waste management [8] . Direct participation in the vaccine supply chain may help countries address the constraints existing in vaccine supply chains through assessing the need for new structures and policies and applying system design techniques [9] .…”