12.1 In Focus: Novel Manufacturing Platforms for Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response

Abstract

AbstractThis feature focuses on several relatively novel (mRNA, DNA, and vector-based) manufacturing platforms for vaccine design that can facilitate rapid response to infectious disease emergencies caused by emerging and re-emerging pathogens, such as Ebola virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Both gene- and vector-based platforms can deliver well-designed vaccine antigens inducing humoral and cellular immunity while avoiding most vaccine-associated safety concerns and limitations (integration into the host cell genome or anti-vector immunity). The manufacture of vector-based vaccines can be easily standardized and scaled up and is suitable for single-dose vaccine regimens. However, the mRNA platform has clear advantages over DNA and vector-based platforms. Establishing global mRNA supply chain, manufacturing, and fill/finish capacities is essential for promptly controlling emerging epidemics and pandemics. Aggressive “100 Day Mission” preparedness plans to improve on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and further accelerate global access to lifesaving vaccines will depend on progress in this field.