A recent science policy briefing on vaccine technology transfers to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) was presented by researchers from University College London (UCL) at the United Nations. The briefing, co-authored by researchers from the UCL STEaPP Policy Impact Unit and UCL Biochemical Engineering, made a significant contribution to discussions regarding more effective funding and capacity for Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-related research and innovation at the 9th UN Multi-stakeholder Forum on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs.
Technology transfer involves the movement of data, designs, inventions, materials, software, and technical knowledge from one organisation to another. This process is guided by the policies, procedures, and values of each organisation involved. The science policy briefing was produced as part of the work of VaxHub, an academic collaboration led by UCL Biochemical Engineering and the University of Oxford. It aims to explore the barriers, enablers, and potential policy solutions related to bringing innovative vaccine solutions to LMICs.
Vaccines are crucial for global health security, equity, and driving progress towards the SDGs. The unequal access to Covid-19 vaccines has resulted in a higher proportional death toll and prolonged the pandemic in LMICs. Presently, the vaccine manufacturing and distribution market is highly concentrated in a few geographical regions, with Africa producing less than 1% of the vaccines administered on the continent.
The policy brief focuses on vaccine technology transfers as a key element in building vaccine manufacturing capacity in LMICs. It also explores the broader systemic barriers and enablers related to successful technology transfers, including the importance of knowledge systems and global collaboration. According to Professor Martina Micheletti, Co-Director of both VaxHub Global and VaxHub Sustainable from UCL Biochemical Engineering, the research is geared towards developing easily transferable vaccine technologies for LMICs.
Researchers at VaxHub Global work across a broad range of vaccine types, including mRNA, virus-like particles, viral vectored and conjugate vaccines, as well as new delivery methods. One of the innovative delivery technologies is microneedle array patches (MAPs), an effective and pain-free method of vaccine delivery through the skin that does not require a cold chain for transport and storage, addressing a key infrastructure challenge in LMICs.
The publication of the policy brief aligns with ongoing international negotiations at the World Health Assembly to develop the world’s first pandemic accord, highlighting the importance of achieving more equitable distribution of vaccines and the key role of technology transfers for building capacity in developing countries. Findings and recommendations from the brief will provide evidence-based perspectives to the July High-level Political Forum (HLPF) and the UN Summit of the Future in September.
For those interested, the policy brief as published on the UN STI Forum website and a longer version that includes more interview details can be found online. This comprehensive research and valuable insights aim to pave the way for more equitable vaccine distribution and offer hope for a healthier, more sustainable future for all.