Pasteur Network members unite efforts to accelerate mRNA vaccine research

Key members of the Pasteur Network, including Fiocruz, through Bio-Manguinhos, the Institut Pasteur Dakar, the Institut Pasteur Korea, the Institut Pasteur (Paris), and the Institut Pasteur Tunis, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in vaccine research and development, part of one of the strategic pillars of the Pasteur Network. This partnership focuses on expanding mRNA vaccine production capabilities and addressing global health challenges through innovative research and international cooperation. Fiocruz also signed an MoU with the Institut Pasteur of Iran. The documents were signed this Wednesday (10/ 21) during the Pasteur Network Annual Meeting 2024.

Members from Pasteur Network have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in vaccine research and development (phoyo: Marcela Dobarro)

Fiocruz president Mario Moreira celebrated the partnership. "We signed a cooperation agreement to pool efforts and expertise to develop mRNA vaccines for the world; it holds important scientific, but also political significance. It’s about countries coming together to be better prepared for future health emergencies," highlighted Moreira.

For Pasteur Network president, Amadou Alpha Sall, the MoU marks a crucial step in strengthening equity in research and development across the network: "By pooling our efforts and expertise, we are building a strong collaboration that will enhance access to cutting-edge technologies, such as mRNA, in regions where they are most needed. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering sustainable and equitable solutions for global health”.

Bio-Manguinhos director, Mauricio Zuma described the partnership as promising: “There is great expectation that this program will be successful and that we will be able to contribute increasingly to increasing global production and the development of new products. This way we will achieve our main objective, which is to guarantee equitable access to all countries”.

The main objectives of the MoU are promoting collaboration on mRNA vaccine research and related biotechnologies, facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge, academic expertise, and best practices, establishing joint training programs, workshops and research projects to support mRNA technology development.

Innovation and improvement of public health

The Pasteur Network is committed to combating infectious diseases and improving global health through research, training, and knowledge sharing. Founded on the principles of collaboration and knowledge sharing, the network leverages the expertise of its members to address pressing health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The expansion of vaccine manufacturing capacity is a central element of the network's R&D and innovation strategy. This MoU aims to foster collaboration between member institutions to advance mRNA technology and develop sustainable solutions for vaccine production in regions with limited resources.

Under this initiative, three key Pasteur Network members —Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Fiocruz through its unit Bio-Manguinhos, and Institut Pasteur de Dakar—have been selected as partners for mRNA technology, enabling them to enhance local capacities in mRNA vaccine production. The mRNA technology hub will serve as a key platform for the dissemination and implementation of these advanced methods, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation and public health improvement. Institut Pasteur Korea (IPK), with its expertise in stabilizing mRNA molecules and reducing production costs, will contribute a unique technology platform that supports the development of efficient and cost-effective vaccines. The Institut Pasteur (located in Paris, France) will provide its renowned research expertise and advanced technology platforms to support the initiative.

Bio-Manguinhos was selected by the World Health Organization as a center for development and production of vaccines with messenger RNA technology in Latin America. The Pasteur Network mRNA Initiative will serve as a platform for ongoing collaboration, enabling participating institutions to exchange knowledge and resources, and drive innovation in vaccine development tailored to regional health needs.

Fiocruz signs MoU with Pasteur Institute of Iran on science and technology

Also on Wednesday, Fiocruz signed a MoU with the Pasteur Institute of Iran that establishes the terms of international economic and technical cooperation between the parties for the next five years. The document was signed by the president of the Foundation, Mario Moreira, and the president of the Pasteur Institute of Iran, Rahim Sorouri.

Fiocruz president Mario Moreira and Iran Pasteur Institute president Rahim Sorouri at the signing of the memorandum (Photo: Marcela Dobarro)

The MoU deals with partnerships in terms of research and production, such as vaccines and diagnostic kits; cooperation for institutional development, development of health and science research projects; exchange of researchers and information in the health field; organization of seminars and joint publication of scientific papers. Based on this, work plans will be drawn up. The idea is that Fiocruz can assist in these areas, especially with regard to endemic diseases in Iran, in which the Foundation already has expertise.