Afrigen Biologics Secures $6.2 Million Grant to Develop mRNA Vaccine for Rift Valley Fever

• Afrigen Biologics has secured a $6.2 million (116 million ZAR) grant from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop an mRNA-based vaccine for Rift Valley fever.

• The project will progress into Phase I clinical trials in Africa, with the goal of addressing a critical health risk in the region.

Afrigen Biologics, a South African biotechnology company, has been awarded a $6.2 million grant by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to advance research into an mRNA-based vaccine for Rift Valley fever. The disease, typically transmitted by mosquitoes, has long posed a significant threat to both human health and livestock in Africa and the Middle East.

The funding will enable Afrigen to collaborate with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) to move the vaccine candidate through preclinical development and into Phase I clinical trials, potentially in South Africa or another outbreak-affected country. This partnership aims to offer a locally produced solution to a disease that has historically lacked a licensed human vaccine.

Prof Petro Terblanche, CEO of Afrigen Biologics, commented, “The CEPI support to Afrigen provides us with another opportunity to utilize our mRNA technology platform to develop a vaccine for a disease of importance to the African continent and the broader region.”

Rift Valley fever has been a recognised priority disease for urgent research and development by global health organisations. The new vaccine candidate could fill a critical gap, as current vaccines are only available for animals. The disease is spread through direct contact with infected animals or mosquito bites and can result in severe illness or death in humans.

Dr Richard Hatchett, CEO of CEPI, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, “A safe and effective Rift Valley fever mRNA vaccine made in Africa, for Africa, raises the bar in our response to future Rift Valley fever outbreaks.”

This project also supports broader goals for improving vaccine accessibility across Africa. Afrigen, in partnership with CEPI and IVI, is committed to developing the vaccine using local manufacturing capabilities, ensuring that it will be affordable and available for rapid distribution during outbreaks.