The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in Norway, and Indonesia-based company Bio Farma have entered a 10-year partnership to boost rapid manufacturing of outbreak vaccines at Indonesia’s leading vaccine manufacturer.

The collaboration will help to bring cutting-edge mRNA and viral vector rapid response vaccine manufacturing technologies to Indonesia and the ASEAN region; and reserve manufacturing capacity to supply Global South countries during future outbreaks and pandemics to combat the type of devastating inequity witnessed during the response to COVID-19.

CEPI will provide initial funding of up to $15 million to diversify Bio Farma’s manufacturing capability, supporting the establishment of mRNA and viral vector rapid response technologies at Bio Farma’s facilities for the first time, which will fast-track the company’s ability to manufacture vaccines to combat new viral threats.

CEPI’s investment will complement funding from the Government of Indonesia, and Bio Farma’s participation in the WHO-led mRNA technology transferprogramme.

The partnership will support Bio Farma to establish a bioprocess laboratory which will be used to develop and test the new mRNA and viral vector technologies. It will also establish Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-standard facilities to produce batches of vaccines for use in clinical trials up to Phase II, as well as GMP-standard capacity to manufacture larger quantities of vaccine for use in Phase III trials and for commercial supply.

When these facilities are operational, Bio Farma will be able to supply mRNA and viral vector vaccines to tackle a broad range of future outbreaks within 100 days of a new pathogen being identified.