ADVANCES IN VACCINE DEVELOPMENT AND MANUFACTURING IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

Sanofi and VNVC Launch Vaccine Factory in Vietnam

Sanofi and Vietnam Vaccine JSC (VNVC) inaugurated a new vaccine manufacturing facility in Long An province, Vietnam. The plant, with an initial investment of $77.19 million, is expected to produce 100 million vaccine doses annually by the end of 2027, enhancing local vaccine production capabilities.

▶ Source Link

BioNet and Bio Farma Sign Strategic MoU to Expand TdaP Vaccine Access in ASEAN

BioNet and Bio Farma have signed a strategic memorandum of understanding to expand access to Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (TdaP) vaccines across ASEAN countries. This collaboration aims to strengthen immunization programs and improve vaccine coverage in the region.

▶ Source Link

Dengue Vaccine Clinical Trials Initiated

In April 2025, the Thai Public Health Ministry commenced a large-scale clinical trial for a new dengue vaccine in Nakhon Phanom province. The study involves 35,000 children aged 7 to 10, aiming to assess the vaccine's efficacy regardless of prior dengue exposure. Successful results could lead to its inclusion in Thailand's universal healthcare system.

▶ Source Link

Expanded Pediatric Vaccine Procurement

The National Vaccine Committee has approved policies enabling local governments to procure influenza and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines for children under five. This initiative aims to reduce severe illness and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.

▶ Source Link

Bill Gates Meets Indonesian Leader to Discuss Health and Sustainable Development Initiatives

Bill Gates met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Jakarta to discuss health and sustainable development initiatives, focusing on global health, nutrition, and digital infrastructure. Gates commended Indonesia's progress in child mortality reduction and vaccine adoption. The Gates Foundation is developing a tuberculosis vaccine to be tested in Indonesia and plans to distribute a micronutrient supplement for pregnant women. Since 2009, the foundation has granted over $159 million to Indonesia, supporting Biofarma in producing two billion polio vaccine doses annually. President Subianto also announced that Gates will receive Indonesia's highest honor at the UN General Assembly in September.

▶ Source Link

Phase 3 Clinical Trials for Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiated

Indonesia has commenced Phase 3 clinical trials for the M72/AS01E tuberculosis vaccine, developed by the Gates Foundation. Approximately 2,000 Indonesian participants are involved, aiming to assess the vaccine's efficacy and safety in the local population.

▶ Source Link

Vietnam Poised to Introduce Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Vaccine

In February 2025, VNVC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Substipharm Biologics to introduce a vaccine for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) caused by Enterovirus 71. This vaccine, showing up to 96.8% protection, aims to reduce severe complications and fatalities among Vietnamese children.

▶ Source Link

Vietnam Signs Agreement to Access Russia's Potential mRNA Cancer Vaccine

VNVC has signed an agreement with Russian research institutes to develop vaccine production capabilities at their Long An factory, potentially allowing Vietnamese patients early access to advanced cancer treatments.

▶ Source Link

Singapore's NATi mRNA BioFoundry Enhances mRNA Manufacturing Capabilities

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) launched the non-GMP NATi mRNA BioFoundry, a state-of-the-art facility aimed at advancing mRNA research and production. This initiative positions Singapore at the forefront of mRNA therapeutics and vaccine development

▶ Source Link

Singapore Advances mRNA Vaccine Access with Thermostable Delivery Platform

Singapore-based ACM Biolabs, supported by CEPI, is developing the ACM Tunable Platform (ATP), a thermostable mRNA delivery system that allows storage at 2–8°C. This innovation aims to enhance global access to mRNA vaccines by simplifying logistics and reducing cold chain requirements.

▶ Source Link