Developing Countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network (DCVMN International)

🔬 Navigating the Vaccine Innovation Landscape   At the 5th Annual BactiVac Network Meeting, DCVMN CEO Rajinder Suri participated in a high-level panel alongside esteemed leaders such as Dr. Jerome Kim, Director General of International Vaccine Institute (IVI), South Korea, and Dr. Kay Hunsberger, Executive Director at Merck, USA. The discussion was expertly moderated by Dr. Alain Bouckenooghe MD MPH.   During the session, Mr. Suri addressed the critical challenge known as the "Valley of Death," where more than 90% of vaccine candidates fail during the preclinical phase, and 70% do not progress beyond Phase I. He stressed the importance of a ‘fast-fail’ strategy to identify viable vaccine candidates early, reducing resource wastage and accelerating successful developments.   Drawing on the example of the COVID-19 vaccines, he highlighted that out of over 300 candidates, only 8 secured WHO Emergency Use Listing (EUL) by mid-2021. This underscores the high-risk nature of vaccine development, especially for manufacturers in developing countries with limited financial resources.   Mr. Suri elaborated on the strategic approach of DCVMN members, who focus on incremental innovation to manage risks related to technology, intellectual property, financial viability, and reputation. In contrast, big pharmaceutical companies in developed countries pursue disruptive innovation, which demands investments in the range of hundreds of millions to billions of dollars.   He also acknowledged the role of WHO and COVAX in rising to the challenge posed by COVID-19 ably supported by the Industry.   #DCVMN #VaccineInnovation #GlobalHealth #BactiVac #COVID19 #PublicHealth

On November 6, DCVMN CEO Rajinder Suri delivered an inspiring talk at the 5th Annual BactiVac Network Meeting, hosted by the University of Birmingham and BactiVac in collaboration with the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) Vietnam. Mr. Suri shared how DCVMN members rose to the challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the network's role in building resilient vaccine ecosystems across developing countries. He also highlighted pioneering achievements by DCVMN member companies, including: ✅ Firsts in Vaccine Innovation The 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲-𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀 (𝘄𝗣) 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 The 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗔 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 The 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘄𝗣-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗛𝗲𝘅𝗮 𝘃𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 ✅ Global Recognition Several member-developed vaccines—such as 𝗣𝗖𝗩𝟭𝟬, 𝗧𝗖𝗩, and 𝘄𝗣 𝗛𝗲𝘅𝗮—have received WHO Prequalification, ensuring high-quality, affordable vaccines reach communities worldwide. Mr. Suri’s talk underscored DCVMN’s ongoing commitment to strengthening global health security through innovation, collaboration, and equitable vaccine access. Proud to see our network making strides towards a healthier, safer world! #DCVMN #GlobalHealth #Vaccines #BactiVac #Innovation

Reflecting on 25 Years of Progress at the DCVMN's Silver Jubilee AGM! It was a privilege to gather for the 25th DCVMN Annual General Meeting—a milestone celebration of two and a half decades dedicated to advancing global vaccine equity and collaboration. A huge thank you to all our distinguished guests, leadership from international organizations including World Health Organization, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), UNICEF, PATH, Pan American Health Organization, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, IFC - International Finance Corporation, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and several others for their in-person and virtual attendance, and video messages. Thank you to all our amazing panel chairs, insightful speakers, dedicated attendees, and generous sponsors who joined us and made this event memorable. Your presence and contributions truly underscored our shared commitment to a healthier world. We are particularly grateful to our co-hosts, Instituto Butantan and Bio-Manguinhos / Fiocruz, for their invaluable partnership in bringing this AGM to life, and to SINERGIUM Biotech for their support in making the Gala dinner an unforgettable evening. As we look back on this incredible journey, we are already excited for what is to come. We look forward to seeing you all in Bali, Indonesia, for the 26th DCVMN AGM as we continue to work together toward a brighter future. Thank you all for being part of the DCVMN community, and here is to the next 25 years of impact!

The last day of the DCVMN 25th Anniversary AGM, co-hosted by Instituto Butantan and Bio-Manguinhos / Fiocruz, was filled with critical discussions on novel topics essential to global health, covering everything from environmental sustainability to vaccine hesitancy and biodefense. We started the day with a session chaired by Dr. Paulo Gadelha from FIOCRUZ - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz on the impact of climate change on vaccine needs. The panel stressed our industry's responsibility to reduce its environmental footprint, with net-zero solutions achievable through supply chain innovations, sustainable packaging, and low-emission transportation. Next, Prof. Narendra K. Arora, Executive Director at THE INCLEN TRUST INTERNATIONAL, chaired a session on vaccine safety surveillance. The main challenge? Underreporting and data gaps. A global data-sharing mechanism, capacity-building in LMICs, and collaboration with CEPI and DCVMN were identified as essential steps to improve surveillance. Ms. Julia Kuhn from the BMGF then led a session on workforce development, a key priority for DCVMN. The discussion highlighted DCVMN’s ongoing training programs, recent advancements in Africa, and the need to focus on attracting young talent and building leadership through novel training opportunities. Dr. Matthew Downham, PhD from CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations) chaired a session on vaccine supply chain security, discussing technical working groups that have been established to support vaccine manufacturing supply chains. The session also drew parallels between challenges faced in LATAM and Africa, emphasizing the importance of regional policies and support from organizations ensuring market demand and market access. A highly anticipated session on biodefense, chaired by Dr. David C. Kaslow, from the USFDA, addressed the need to prepare for biothreats. The panelists explored biodefense strategies from international organizations, such as how the 100-day mission and AI could play a role in addressing future threats. Prof. Cristiana Toscano then led a session on vaccine hesitancy, where panelists discussed trends, especially among younger populations, and the need for innovative approaches to build trust. Engaging the public through gaming and entertainment was highlighted as a potential strategy, alongside early community engagement to shift the conversation beyond just product messaging. The AGM concluded with a final session chaired by Ms. Jessica Milman from PATH, where representatives from leading global health organizations and DCVMN members shared insights on the role of partnerships in ensuring a sustainable vaccine ecosystem. The importance of public-private partnerships, long-term commitments, and coordinated efforts to avoid redundant manufacturing projects was emphasized. Closing remarks by DCVMN CEO Rajinder Suri and Dr. Saulo Simoni Nacif from Fundação Butantan wrapped up this impactful and successful AGM.

Day 2 of the DCVMN 25th Anniversary AGM, co-hosted by Instituto Butantan and Bio-Manguinhos / Fiocruz, brought rich discussions on critical topics shaping the future of global health and vaccine access. We kicked off the day with a session on Regulatory Harmonization, chaired by Dr. Yukiko Nakatani, Assistant Director-General, Access to Medicines and Health Products at World Health Organization. The conversation highlighted the need for streamlined regulatory processes and global reliance mechanisms. We heard about Brazil’s ANVISA insights from their experience with expedited COVID-19 vaccine approvals. The panelists also underlined the need for collaboration with governments to adjust legal frameworks and achieve true regulatory harmonization. The next session, Innovations in Financial Mechanisms: Influence & Impact on Universal Coverage, led by Zeynep Kantur Ozenci, Global Sector Manager at IFC - International Finance Corporation, tackled the financing challenges in vaccine manufacturing for the Global South. High capital costs, debt burdens, and the gap between commercial viability and public health needs were key barriers. The session proposed innovative financial approaches to bridge these challenges, exploring regional vs. country-specific solutions. Dr. Birgitte Giersing, PhD, Team Lead at WHO, chaired the session on the big 5 infectious diseases affecting developing countries (Polio, TB, Dengue, Malaria, and Meningitis). It was inspiring to hear about the incredible work being done by our members to produce vaccines that protect populations in the Global South. Later, Dr. Jicui Dong, Unit Head at WHO, led the discussion on Private Sector Engagement to boost regional manufacturing. The panel emphasized the need for sustainable business models and procurement mechanisms, with public-private partnerships highlighted as a successful model. Dr. Claudia Nannei stressed the importance of governments investing in local vaccine manufacturing, as it creates high-skilled jobs, stimulates local economies, and strengthens public health ecosystems. Novel technologies took center stage in the session chaired by Dr. Matthew Downham, PhD from CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), where we explored the impact of AI on vaccine manufacturing and supply chains. AI is already being used to improve processes and demand forecasting, but the conversation also stressed the need for balancing AI capabilities with human oversight, especially in platforms like mRNA. The day concluded with exciting news from Dr. Daniel Rodriguez of Pan American Health Organization, who announced new revolving fund flexibilities to support regional vaccine manufacturing initiatives, ensuring broader access to vaccines. Looking forward to more inspiring discussions as we continue to advance global vaccine equity! #DCVMN25 #Vaccines #GlobalHealth #Innovation #AI #PublicPrivatePartnerships #PandemicPreparedness #RegulatoryHarmonization

Do not miss the 25th DCVMN AGM Closing Ceremony! We are thrilled to invite you to watch the closing ceremony of the 25th DCVMN Annual General Meeting, marking a significant milestone in our journey. In this special session, we will be wrapping up an incredibly fruitful event, highlighting key takeaways from the AGM, and sharing the exciting announcement of the destination for our next AGM! 🎥 Watch the full closing ceremony here: https://lnkd.in/eEgKj8kh Join us as we reflect on the valuable discussions, collaborations, and innovations shared over the past few days and set our sights on the future of vaccine manufacturing and global health. #DCVMN #Vaccines #GlobalHealth #Innovation #Collaboration #SilverJubilee #NextSteps #AGM2024

The first day of our AGM was packed with crucial discussions led by some of the most influential voices in global health. With key sessions on pandemic preparedness and vaccine equity, the day was filled with invaluable insights and expert perspectives. In addition to the sessions, the day offered great opportunities for networking and important meetings, fostering collaboration among leaders and member companies committed to advancing vaccine access worldwide. An incredible start to our Silver Jubilee AGM—stay tuned for more exciting updates! #DCVMN25Years #GlobalHealth #VaccineAccess #Networking #Collaboration #AGM2024

Happy to hear from our co-hosts and CEO from the first day of the 25th DCVMN AGM as they share their perspectives on the importance of the AGM and the vital role DCVMN plays in advancing global vaccine access.

Day 1 Recap: DCVMN's 25th Anniversary AGM  Today marked the start of a momentous AGM co-hosted in São Paulo with Bio-Manguinhos / Fiocruz and Instituto Butantan. The inaugural session was honored with insightful keynote speeches from esteemed leaders across health institutions, including Dr. Saulo Simoni Nacif, Executive Director of Fundação Butantan; Dr. Mauricio Zuma Medeiros, CEO of Bio-Manguinhos/Fiocruz; Ms. Regiane Cardoso de Paula, representing the Secretary of Health of São Paulo; Dr. Esper Kallás, Director of Instituto Butantan; Ambassador Suresh Reddy, Ambassador of India to Brazil; Dr. Paulo Sérgio de Oliveira e Costa, Attorney General of the State of São Paulo; Dr. Mario Moreira, President of the Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz); Dr. Carlos Gadelha, Secretary of Science, Technology, and Innovation of the Brazilian Ministry of Health; Dr. Ayode Alakija, Board Chair of FIND; Ms. Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF SD; Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO; Ms. Emma Wheatley, Executive Director of CEPI; Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of GAVI; and Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO. All speakers emphasized the importance of DCVMN’s collaboration with international partners in ensuring access to quality, affordable vaccines, especially for underserved populations. The first session, chaired by Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Division at WHO, focused on DCVMN’s role in Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR). The panel explored how DCVMN members can strengthen equitable supply, highlighting key priorities such as strengthening national regulatory agencies, accelerating WHO prequalification processes, and fostering pre-competitive research for sustainable vaccine supply. Panelists, including Dr. Seth Berkley and Mr. Guilherme Cintra, emphasized the need for robust communication strategies to counter misinformation and advocated for investment in regulatory capacity. Prof. Petro Terblanche and Prof. Padmashree Gehl Sampath called for innovative approaches to licensing, financing, and R&D to better prepare for future pandemics. Other speakers from CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF, IFC - International Finance Corporation, and Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. shared invaluable insights on access to financing and managing demand uncertainty. The day concluded with the CEO Forum, where leaders from our member companies discussed the future of vaccines and manufacturing in developing countries. They reaffirmed DCVMs' pivotal role in producing the largest volume of vaccines globally and emphasized the shared responsibility to increase vaccination rates, rebuild trust in vaccines post-pandemic, and advance both childhood and adult vaccinations. They underlined that strengthening tech transfer between DCVMs will be essential to making vaccines more affordable and accessible for the Global South.

🎉 Celebrating 25 Years of DCVMN: Our Silver Jubilee! 🎉 We are beyond thrilled to mark a major milestone – DCVMN’s 25th anniversary! Over the past quarter-century, we have remained steadfast in our mission to improve access to life-saving vaccines and strengthen global public health. To commemorate this special occasion, we are excited to share with you a video that takes you on a journey through DCVMN’s origins, evolution, and the incredible progress we have made over the years. From our humble beginnings to our achievements in vaccine development, partnerships, and advocacy, this video is a tribute to all the remarkable individuals and organizations who have contributed to our success. Watch the video and relive the milestones that have shaped us into what we are today—a global force in public health. We could not have come this far without the dedication, passion, and collaboration of our members, partners, resource members, sponsors, and supporters. Here is to 25 years of making a difference, and to the many more impactful years ahead of connecting to protect! Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. #DCVMN25Years #SilverJubilee #VaccineAccess #PublicHealth #Celebration #VaccineManufacturing #DCVMs