CEPI announced in August 2024 that it is providing US$2.05 million to researchers at Afrigen Biologics to support their work on synthetic DNA. The scientists are exploring if it can act as an alternative to the “traditional” plasmid DNA required for mRNA vaccines, thus accelerating the initial phase of vaccine development. The partnership supports CEPI’s 100 Days Mission by seeking to make vaccine development “up to three time faster”.
Optimised synthetic DNA
Plasmid DNA (pDNA) is traditionally used in mRNA vaccines as the “start material” containing genetic instructions to produce a specific viral protein. pDNA is produced through bacterial fermentation, which can take over 30 days.
“This process is time-consuming and expensive, and timelines can be further compounded by insufficient manufacturing capacity and supply chain issues.”
A potential alternative is optimised synthetic DNA (oDNA), manufactured by Syngoi. It is produced by enzymes in a cell-free process that demands a smaller manufacturing footprint, can be rapidly produced in just 10 days, and is less costly. The proof-of concept project between CEPI and Afrigen will explore this technology by using pDNA and oDNA to develop and mRNA vaccine for Rift Valley Fever.
“If successful, the oDNA technology could accelerate the production of clinical trial material required to test new mRNA vaccines in human clinical trials and ultimately make vaccines available more swiftly to those most in need.”
Prioritising equity
Ingrid Kromann, Acting Executive Director, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, CEPI, commented that mRNA vaccine manufacturing processes are “fast and flexible”.
“Innovative technologies like optimised synthetic DNA can make them even faster. CEPI’s partnership with Afrigen could reduce the vaccine development timelines by addressing the challenges associated with plasmid-DNA supply, helping get vaccines to people faster in the face of an outbreak and reduce inequity.”
As the WHO/Medicines Patent Pool Hub for mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, Afrigen acts as a centre of excellence and training for the initiative, seeking to build mRNA vaccine production capacity in low- and middle-income countries. This new partnership could enable local manufacturing of vaccines in Africa, supporting CEPI’s strategy to “geo-diversify” global manufacturing capabilities. Professor Petro Terblanche, Afrigen CEO, described the partnership as a “strategic milestone” that demonstrates the “important contribution that biotechnology start-up companies can make to innovation”.
“We are enthusiastic about the contribution this joint project can make to the speed and cost of mRNA vaccine manufacturing.”
We look forward to hearing more on regional capacity for equitable vaccine distribution from Professor Terblanche at the Congress in Barcelona this October; get your tickets to join us here and don’t forget to subscribe to our weekly newsletters here.
