$145 Million Supports mRNA Vaccine Development in Africa

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and BioNTech SE today announced they are expanding their strategic partnership to contribute to building a sustainable and resilient end-to-end African vaccine ecosystem.

CEPI is committing up to $145 million to support BioNTech's establishment of mRNA vaccine R&D, clinical, and commercial-scale manufacturing capabilities at the Company's facility in Rwanda.

BioNTech and CEPI intend to work jointly to rapidly respond to outbreaks on the African continent caused by known viral threats or an as-yet-unknown pathogen with epidemic or pandemic potential.

Under the terms of the agreement, BioNTech intends to provide affordable access to its prophylactic vaccines, such as those against malaria, mpox, and tuberculosis, manufactured at the Kigali facility.

"Africa still has to import 99% of all the vaccines it needs to protect its people from potentially deadly diseases, meaning many are left waiting far too long to get the life-saving doses they need. This must change ...... said Dr. Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, in a press release on May 30, 2024.

BioNTech and CEPI first announced their strategic partnership in September 2023.