DEK Vaccines Limited has partnered two vaccine manufacturing giants – IVI Korea and EuBiologics – to manufacture and distribute oral cholera vaccines in the country.
The three parties made the tech-transfer signing official during a brief ceremony at the National Vaccines Institute in Accra.
The tech-transfer entails collaboration among the parties. Under it, IVI Korea is the IP holder, EuBiologics the bulk manufacturer and DEK Vaccines Limited is the ‘fill and finish’ partner in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry.
The move is aimed at increasing global vaccines production capacity and reducing disparities in vaccines-access in African.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Kofi Nsiah-Poku, Chief Executive Officer-DEK Vaccines Limited, intimated that this initiative marks the beginning of a promising journey toward technological advancement and collaboration for vaccines-manufacturing in Ghana, West Africa and Africa at large.
He further noted that its success hinges on dedication, hard work, political will and commitment to making Africa a better and safer place.
“The transfer of technology to manufacture oral cholera vaccines (OCV) in Ghana is a bridge that connects Asia to Africa. It is a testament to the strength of collaboration, whereby individuals and organisations come together to share their expertise, knowledge and resources for the greater good.
“Let us remember that it is not just about technology; it is about the people – the minds and the hearts – that drive innovation forward. It is about potential to change lives, create new opportunities and solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” he added.
For her part, Rachel Park of EuBiologics expressed optimism about the initiative and her outfit’s readiness to further expand the partnership to other areas.
“We’re pleased to be collaboratiing with DEK for oral cholera vaccines, and we believe that this is a starting point. We are looking forward to a successful commercialization of oral cholera vaccine and expanding our partnership to other pipelines,” she said.
IVI Korea’s representative, Andrea Kim, also assured of her firm’s readiness to contribute in the manufacture of high-quality vaccines for Ghana and Africa.
Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, noted that the Authority will ensure the quality of vaccines produced will be up to standard.
“FDA’s role is to look at the protocol for the technology transfer, and we will make sure that everything is done in accordance with good manufacturing practices and guidelines,” she stated.
In a speech delivered on his behalf, Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang Manu, pledged government’s support for the initiative and called on other capable private entities to venture into the vaccines-manufacturing space.
