🏭 The facility can produce up to 50 million vaccine doses annually, similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
🔬 BioNTech will also establish additional manufacturing facilities in response to Africa’s needs.
💰 The company has pledged $150 million for the construction of the facility and plans to employ around 100 people.
💉 BioNTech aims to develop mRNA vaccines for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and monkeypox.
Introduction:
BioNTech has announced its plans to advance the production of mRNA vaccines in Africa by opening a facility in Kigali, Rwanda. This facility aims to manufacture vaccines for use within the African Union.
Main points:
1. The facility in Kigali has the capacity to produce up to 50 million product doses annually using an RNA process similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
2. BioNTech plans to establish additional manufacturing facilities in Africa to meet the continent’s needs and partner countries’ needs, which may vary in size and focus on clinical trials or commercial-scale manufacturing.
3. The construction of the Kigali facility, including the manufacturing units, will be completed with an investment of approximately $150 million and is expected to employ around 100 people.
4. BioNTech will also deploy its cutting-edge modular manufacturing unit, BioNTainer, which can produce several mRNA vaccines and be updated regularly to remain globally advanced.
5. In addition to vaccine production, BioNTech is committed to building a sustainable vaccine ecosystem in Africa through research and development, clinical trials, manufacturing, and training of local experts. The company is also developing mRNA vaccine candidates for infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and monkeypox.
Conclusion:
BioNTech’s establishment of a manufacturing facility in Kigali, Rwanda, marks a significant step towards expanding Africa’s capacity to produce mRNA vaccines. The company’s commitment to investing in manufacturing, research, and development, as well as its focus on ensuring equitable access to innovative medicines, will contribute to the long-term sustainability of Africa’s vaccine ecosystem. By 2025, BioNTech aims to begin producing mRNA vaccines in Africa and continue its efforts to combat infectious diseases and potential pandemics.
