WHO’s Africa Hub Starts Work on mRNA Tuberculosis Vaccine
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A World Health Organization-backed group started work on developing an mRNA vaccine for tuberculosis, expanding on plans to develop local shots for the coronavirus.
Established in Cape Town last year, the mRNA hub is a response to a global outcry after developing nations struggled to secure pandemic inoculations even as rich countries stockpiled them. The work on a TB shot comes as it ultimately aims to develop inoculations to tackle neglected diseases that plague citizens of poorer countries.
“It is a unique opportunity to try and use the platform for a high burden disease in Africa,” said Petro Terblanche, managing director of Afrigen Biologics & Vaccines, which is part of the WHO’s hub. The company has TB data collected over 20 years that can be used in the project.