African Scientists Make Progress on Homegrown mRNA Vaccines, But Face Delays on COVID Trials

Afrigen Biologics in South Africa has made major progress in figuring out how to make mRNA vaccines like Moderna's for COVID-19. They have successfully reverse engineered and replicated Moderna's vaccine.
Afrigen is training scientists from 15 lower-income countries on mRNA technology through hands-on courses at their facility. This knowledge transfer is a key goal of the mRNA hub project.
Afrigen had hoped to start clinical trials on humans this summer, but new COVID variants have forced them to pause and tweak their vaccine formulation. Clinical trials are now delayed until late 2023.
While the original COVID vaccine work is delayed, Afrigen's advances mean they can now more quickly develop mRNA vaccines against other diseases in the future.
Completing the full manufacturing process for large-scale production is still a heavy lift and massive amount of work ahead for Afrigen and its partner countries.

npr.org

Relevant topic timeline:

8/25/2023

CDC expects new Covid vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax to be available in mid-September

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax to be available to the public in mid-September, providing a more specific timeline for the arrival of the shots, pending approvals from the FDA and CDC.

8/27/2023

Covid cases are rising, just as new vaccines are almost ready

The U.S. is experiencing a rise in Covid cases just as new vaccines that protect against the latest variants are almost ready.

9/7/2023

Some good COVID news: New vaccine appears to work well against Pirola subvariant

The new COVID-19 vaccine from Moderna appears to provide strong protection against the highly mutated BA.2.86 subvariant, according to updated vaccine data, offering reassurance as manufacturers and public health officials continue to combat the evolving coronavirus.

9/13/2023

Moderna's mRNA Flu and RSV Vaccines Show Promise in Latest Trial Data

Moderna's experimental mRNA-based seasonal flu vaccine, mRNA-1010, demonstrated a stronger immune response against four strains of the flu virus compared to a currently marketed vaccine, paving the way for potential approval from regulators.

9/13/2023

New COVID Booster Shot Urged for All New Yorkers as Hospitalizations Rise

A new COVID-19 vaccine has been approved and is being distributed nationwide, with doctors and elected leaders urging everyone to get vaccinated as we head into the fall and winter months.

10/3/2023

FDA authorizes updated Novavax COVID vaccine targeting new Omicron strains, adds alternative to Pfizer and Moderna shots

The FDA has authorized Novavax's updated Covid vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 12 and older, providing an alternative to mRNA shots from Pfizer and Moderna.

10/4/2023

Moderna Combination COVID and Flu Vaccine Heads to Final Trials After Positive Results

Moderna's combination vaccine targeting Covid and the flu, mRNA-1083, has shown positive results in an early to mid-stage study and will move to a final stage trial in adults aged 50 and above with hopes of gaining regulatory approval in 2025, potentially simplifying protection against respiratory viruses that surge during certain seasons.

10/5/2023

FDA authorizes Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, offering new protein-based option for unvaccinated

The FDA has authorized a new Novavax vaccine that uses a protein targeting method to protect against the Omicron variant, providing an alternative option to the mRNA vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer.

Topics

Posted 9/12/2023, 8:02:55 PM

African Scientists Make Progress on Homegrown mRNA Vaccines, But Face Delays on COVID Trials

Afrigen Biologics in South Africa has made major progress in figuring out how to make mRNA vaccines like Moderna's for COVID-19. They have successfully reverse engineered and replicated Moderna's vaccine.
Afrigen is training scientists from 15 lower-income countries on mRNA technology through hands-on courses at their facility. This knowledge transfer is a key goal of the mRNA hub project.
Afrigen had hoped to start clinical trials on humans this summer, but new COVID variants have forced them to pause and tweak their vaccine formulation. Clinical trials are now delayed until late 2023.
While the original COVID vaccine work is delayed, Afrigen's advances mean they can now more quickly develop mRNA vaccines against other diseases in the future.
Completing the full manufacturing process for large-scale production is still a heavy lift and massive amount of work ahead for Afrigen and its partner countries.

npr.org

Relevant topic timeline:

8/25/2023

CDC expects new Covid vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax to be available in mid-September

8/27/2023

Covid cases are rising, just as new vaccines are almost ready

The U.S. is experiencing a rise in Covid cases just as new vaccines that protect against the latest variants are almost ready.

9/7/2023

Some good COVID news: New vaccine appears to work well against Pirola subvariant

9/13/2023

Moderna's mRNA Flu and RSV Vaccines Show Promise in Latest Trial Data

9/13/2023

New COVID Booster Shot Urged for All New Yorkers as Hospitalizations Rise

A new COVID-19 vaccine has been approved and is being distributed nationwide, with doctors and elected leaders urging everyone to get vaccinated as we head into the fall and winter months.

10/3/2023

FDA authorizes updated Novavax COVID vaccine targeting new Omicron strains, adds alternative to Pfizer and Moderna shots

The FDA has authorized Novavax's updated Covid vaccine for emergency use in individuals aged 12 and older, providing an alternative to mRNA shots from Pfizer and Moderna.

10/4/2023

Moderna Combination COVID and Flu Vaccine Heads to Final Trials After Positive Results

10/5/2023

FDA authorizes Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, offering new protein-based option for unvaccinated

The FDA has authorized a new Novavax vaccine that uses a protein targeting method to protect against the Omicron variant, providing an alternative option to the mRNA vaccines by Moderna and Pfizer.