27 June 2025

Biovac Partners with Biological E to Boost Pneumonia Vaccine Production in Africa

Cape Town-based biopharmaceutical company Biovac has entered into a significant transfer agreement with India’s Biological E to manufacture and distribute a pneumonia vaccine across Africa. The vaccine, known as PCV14, is a 14-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that offers broad serotype coverage. Clinical trials have demonstrated that PCV14 is non-inferior to Prevenar 13 for all shared serotypes, marking a promising advancement in vaccine efficacy.

Currently licensed in India, Biological E’s PCV14 is undergoing prequalification by the World Health Organization (WHO), with plans to make it available to UNICEF and Gavi markets shortly thereafter. The technology transfer to Biovac is expected to take three years, including the necessary regulatory approvals.

Pneumococcal infections are a major health concern, being a leading cause of pneumonia, bacterial meningitis, and sepsis. According to WHO estimates, pneumococcal infections were responsible for 1.6 million child deaths worldwide in 2005. Although this number has decreased over the years, the need for newer and more effective vaccines remains critical.

Dr. Morena Makhoana, CEO of Biovac, highlighted the company’s commitment to expanding its operations beyond South Africa. The partnership with Biological E, which has previously focused on vaccines for tetanus and measles rubella, aims to address the pressing need for a higher valency pneumococcal vaccine in Africa. This collaboration aligns with the Africa CDC’s goal of ensuring that 60% of vaccines are manufactured on the continent by 2040, promoting sustainable vaccine production and self-sufficiency.

The partnership also supports Gavi’s vision for enhancing vaccine manufacturing capabilities in Africa, ensuring that the continent can provide locally produced vaccines to its children. Dr. Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, expressed support for the technology transfer agreement, viewing it as a crucial step towards increasing the supply of PCV vaccines and fostering sustainable manufacturing practices in Africa.

This collaboration between Biovac and Biological E represents a significant advancement in the fight against pneumonia and underscores the importance of local vaccine production in improving public health outcomes across the continent. As the partnership progresses, it is expected to play a vital role in enhancing vaccine access and self-sufficiency in Africa.