From Innovation to Access

October 8, 2025 by May Harkin

Bridging gaps in mRNA vaccine equity

Equitable healthcare begins with equitable access to the tools that make it possible. Innovations in mRNA technology are paving the route to lower-dose vaccines with more durable immunogenicity, targeting a wider array of viruses. From self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) vaccines to advances in delivery systems and RNA stabilization, the potential of mRNA vaccines for viral diseases is rapidly expanding.

Addressing vaccine inequality for the medicines of tomorrow, relies on forward-thinking collaboration to protect and strengthen global health. Landry Bertaux, Biologic Health Products Expert at the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), discussed how MPP’s technology transfer initiative aims to build vaccine manufacturing capacity in low- and middle-income countries by enabling 15 Partners worldwide to develop, adapt and ultimately produce mRNA vaccines independently.

The impact of inequitable access
The COVID-19 pandemic laid bare the impact of inequitable vaccine access. While high-income countries were able to secure doses rapidly, many lower-income nations were left waiting. During the initial vaccine roll-out in 2021, approximately 20% of the global population received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. However, in low-income countries, less than 1% of the population gained access.

By mid-2023, just 27% of people in low-income countries had been vaccinated, compared to 79% of people in high-income countries. Alongside lower vaccination rates, mortality rates are four times higher in lower income countries, and the impact of COVID-19 has still not fully abated.

Technology transfer programs, like those led by the MPP, provide a vital opportunity to equip developing count with the internal resource, knowledge, and equipment to sustain access to life-saving vaccines in the future.

Key blockers to equitable vaccine access
With WHO, MPP established its mRNA Technology Transfer Programme around a network of 15 different partners. This network, Bertaux explains, has facilitated innovation.

“Creating a network between 15 partners across the Programme has curbed work in isolation, and enabled us to share and partner with each other,” he points out, “facilitating the creation and sharing of information, and knowledge to support success.”

Enabling local technology transfers in developing nations, however, has not been without its challenges.

Challenge One: Access to information
Ensuring access to information and knowledge between all partners is key to successful collaboration. For MPP, this involved the use of appropriate technology, alongside development of training for all partners.

Challenge Two: Facility and equipment
While facilities may already exist, ensuring they’re up-to-date and able to manufacture the appropriate substances is integral. As Bertaux says, “We help our partners around the world to purchase the right equipment and improve their facilities to be able to co-operate with mRNA technology.”

Aldevron worked closely with MPP to tailor the quality specifications of plasmid DNA to suit its non-clinical and early R&D objectives. This ensured that the DNA supplied was both scientifically robust and cost-effective, removing a key barrier for facilities in the early stages of vaccine development.

Challenge Three: Regulatory Requirements
Work with national, and regional regulatory entities is required to evaluate and register new vaccines. Bertaux notes, additionally, should the vaccine itself be novel, navigating patents can be an additional hurdle. He describes the role of MPP as, “We provide the funding, access to the training, and support for our Partners to enable them to make decisions around expected capacities, portfolios, and targets with confidence.”

The power of effective partnership
The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, co-led by MPP and WHO, is designed to both share technology and build lasting networks. The 15 participating organizations across Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe now form a community of practice, sharing expertise, supporting one another, and co-developing future innovations.

Bertaux notes that participants in the mRNA Programme reported two main benefits:

• Confidence and capability
  For many partners, being part of the Programme has changed what they believe is possible. Several are now preparing to research vaccines and therapies for locally significant diseases -often overlooked by large pharmaceutical companies.

• Information-sharing and solidarity
  The network offers a platform for exchanging ideas, improving processes, and fostering collective problem-solving. This kind of cooperation strengthens both individual partners and the broader global health infrastructure.

By building regional capabilities now, the program also supports development of new mRNA-based tools for today’s diseases and not just the next pandemic. These may include regionally prevalent infectious diseases that often receive little or no international attention.

Aldevron’s role
Aldevron’s work with the MPP was grounded in a shared commitment to practical, accessible science. Working closely with MPP, we defined quality specifications for pDNA, balancing scientific rigor with financial feasibility. This makes it possible for new facilities to begin R&D work without the prohibitive costs often associated with advanced biologics.

“We worked closely with Aldevron to define the quality requirements for the required pDNA characteristics for technology implementation,” Bertaux points out. “With technical advice from Aldevron, we were able to understand the appropriate quality required, and balance this with the cost. Together, we were able to achieve feasible costs to enable the technology transfer.”

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