Sanofi and Biovac to produce polio vaccines in Africa

Sanofi and Biovac have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to establish the first manufacturing capabilities for inactivated polio vaccines (IPV) based in Africa. This significant collaboration is a strategic effort aimed at advancing regional vaccine self-sufficiency and aligns with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s objective of producing 60% of vaccines locally by 2040.

Polio, a highly contagious viral disease that primarily targets children under the age of five, can lead to severe symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, fatigue, neck stiffness, and limb pain. This partnership is particularly vital as it addresses the immunization needs of over 40 African nations, significantly enhancing access to essential vaccines across the continent.

Under this agreement, Sanofi will take charge of bulk production of the IPV, while Biovac, which holds the marketing authorization, will oversee the late-stage formulation, filling, packaging, and distribution processes. This strategic division of responsibilities is designed to leverage Biovac's expertise in vaccine development and manufacturing, thus ensuring a seamless transition from production to delivery.

The plan includes delivering the IPV doses to the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for distribution in GAVI-supported African countries. GAVI, or the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation, plays a crucial role in supporting vaccination programs in low-income countries, making this partnership even more critical.

Thomas Triomphe, Sanofi Vaccines executive vice-president, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. He noted that Sanofi has a long history of contributing to polio eradication, having supplied billions of polio vaccine doses globally over the past 40 years. However, he acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the disruption of many routine pediatric vaccination programs worldwide. Triomphe stressed that catching up on these disrupted vaccination schedules is essential to prevent a resurgence of polio cases globally and that the partnership with Biovac is a significant step in this direction.

Biovac, founded in 2003 with support from the South African government, is a company dedicated to vaccine development and manufacturing. The collaboration with Sanofi marks a milestone for Biovac, positioning it as a key player in the fight against polio in Africa. Dr. Morena Makhoana, CEO of Biovac, expressed pride in the partnership, highlighting that it empowers Biovac as an African manufacturer to champion polio eradication by bringing IPV production closer to the communities that need it most.

Sanofi has already delivered more than 1.5 billion doses of various vaccines globally through partnerships with UNICEF and GAVI. This new collaboration with Biovac is set to build on that legacy, ensuring that essential polio vaccines are produced and distributed efficiently within Africa.

This partnership represents a significant advancement in the quest for vaccine self-sufficiency in Africa, ensuring that millions of children will have improved access to life-saving immunizations. Such efforts are crucial not only for combating polio but also for building robust health systems capable of responding to future public health challenges.