The Hamilton Spectator

Vaccine maker BioNTech to use tech to target malaria

BERLIN — Pharmaceutical company BioNTech said Monday that it wants to use the mRNA technology behind its coronavirus vaccine to target malaria.

The Germany-based company, which developed the first widely approved coronavirus shot together with U.S. partner Pfizer, aims to begin clinical trials for a “safe and highly effective malaria vaccine” by the end of next year.

BioNTech said it is also seeking to establish an mRNA vaccine production facility in Africa, which is among the regions that have struggled to get sufficient supply of COVID-19 vaccine doses.

The company said it is working with partners to “evaluate how to establish sustainable mRNA manufacturing capabilities on the African continent to supply African countries with vaccines.” Once built, such a facility would be able to make various mRNA-based vaccines.

BioNTech and Pfizer have said they will deliver one billion doses of their COVID-19 vaccine to middle- and low-income countries this year, and another billion doses in 2022.

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2021-07-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-07-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://thespec.pressreader.com/article/281638193237122

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