The Strategic Center of Biomedical Advanced Vaccine Research and Development for Preparedness and Response (SCARDA) of the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) in Norway, have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) to strengthen collaboration between the two organisations as they strive to accelerate global preparedness and response to future pandemics.

SCARDA and CEPI have shared missions to fund the development of vaccines against infectious diseases, so this new collaboration will enable the organisations to share expertise, knowledge and experience, and to collaborate on areas of work that contribute towards the goals of both organizations.

Through this partnership, the organisations will share information and insights on vaccine development, manufacturing, health security and other themes concerning epidemic and pandemic preparedness. The partners will collaborate on vaccine development for priority pathogens and priority virus families of mutual interest, allowing them to select and focus on complementary projects and investments without duplicating effort or resources. SCARDA and CEPI will also coordinate on activities that support the 100 Days Mission, embraced by the G7 and G20, which aims to accelerate the time taken to develop safe, effective and accessible vaccines against emerging diseases with pandemic potential to 100 days.

Photo caption- L-R- Dr Michinari Hamaguchi (Director General of SCARDA) and Dr Richard Hatchett (CEO of CEPI) at the CEPI office in London, UK, in the presence of Japanese Ambassador to the UK Hajime Hayashi.