New Vaccine Manufacturing Process Could

New Vaccine Manufacturing Process Could Revolutionize Pandemic Response

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have developed a groundbreaking technology, called RNAbox, which promises to transform the way vaccines are produced and distributed globally. The innovative process is designed to rapidly scale up the production of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, potentially speeding up the world’s response to future pandemics.

Supported by up to £3.7 million in funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the RNAbox technology aims to make vaccine production faster, more efficient, and more accessible. The process is automated and adaptable, enabling vaccines to be manufactured at regional sites around the world, which could help contain infectious diseases before they reach epidemic or pandemic proportions.

Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA vaccines can be quickly tailored to new diseases and variants, making them a key tool in fighting emerging infectious diseases. However, current mRNA vaccines are expensive to produce and require complex cold-chain infrastructure, making distribution difficult in low-resource areas. The RNAbox addresses these challenges by creating a continuous production process that can yield up to 10 times more vaccine, using fewer raw materials.

This innovative technology will be vital to initiatives like CEPI’s 100 Days Mission, which seeks to accelerate vaccine development and deployment to within 100 days of identifying a new virus. By enabling local production, the RNAbox could play a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

The RNAbox also has the potential to be adapted for non-pandemic diseases, expanding its use to a wide range of unmet healthcare needs. Researchers are collaborating with vaccine manufacturers globally to ensure the technology is effective in diverse settings.