Jan 21 (Reuters) – Merck (MRK.N) and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations said on Wednesday they have partnered on a $30 million program to develop an updated version of the drugmaker’s Ebola vaccine aimed at improving affordability and access for low- and middle-income countries.
The collaboration will work to improve the manufacturing process for Merck’s WHO-prequalified Ebola vaccine, Ervebo, to increase yield and extend shelf life, CEPI said.
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Ervebo’s current production process is complex, making it expensive and difficult to manufacture at scale, CEPI said. The planned improvements could reduce costs and allow the vaccine to be stored in a standard refrigerator for several months, the organization added.
Merck will work with Hilleman Laboratories on development of the updated vaccine and will explore options to supply public-sector buyers in low- and middle-income countries at a significantly lower price than the current vaccine.
CEPI said its funding will support Hilleman’s clinical development work. SK bioscience and IDT Biologika will develop the updated drug-substance process and related drug product.
Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid
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