Merck, a leading science and technology company, announced that its Life Science business sector entered a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Afrigen Biologics to support the development of an mRNA vaccine technology platform. The collaboration is aimed at advancing mRNA platform manufacturing capabilities, scaling up production, optimizing processes, and providing troubleshooting expertise..

领先的科技公司默克公司（Merck）宣布，其生命科学业务部门与Afrigen Biologics签署了一份无约束力的谅解备忘录（MoU），以支持mRNA疫苗技术平台的开发。该合作旨在提高mRNA平台的制造能力，扩大生产规模，优化流程，并提供故障排除专业知识。。

“Leveraging our comprehensive chemical portfolio and custom production capabilities, we offer cutting-edge experience for mRNA manufacturing, ensuring a seamless journey from research to production,” said Bert de Vet, Head of Commercial EMEA Process Solutions, Life Science business sector of Merck. “Our alliance with Afrigen for mRNA technology platform development echoes our commitment to fostering equitable access to life-saving therapies for global health.”.

。“我们与Afrigen的mRNA技术平台开发联盟呼应了我们对促进全球健康公平获得救生疗法的承诺。”。

As part of the MoU, Merck will support Afrigen’s Center of Excellence and training initiatives aimed at building capacity in LMICs to produce mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. The mRNA technology transfer program, co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP), is based on a South African consortium establishing and validating an mRNA manufacturing platform at a central site (the ‘hub’) and transferring the technology platform to partners..

作为谅解备忘录的一部分，默克将支持Afrigen的卓越中心和培训计划，旨在建设中低收入国家生产mRNA疫苗和治疗剂的能力。由世界卫生组织（WHO）和药物专利池（MPP）共同领导的mRNA技术转移计划基于一个南非财团，该财团在一个中心站点（“中心”）建立并验证mRNA制造平台，并将技术平台转移给合作伙伴。。

The Afrigen-based mRNA vaccine tech transfer program will provide sufficient transfer of know-how to allow the current 15 recipient manufacturers in the program to produce and release mRNA vaccines at scale to support clinical development, national/regional marketing authorisation and WHO prequalification, and sustainable supply to meet local and regional vaccine demand..

基于Afrigen的mRNA疫苗技术转让计划将提供足够的专有技术转让，使该计划中目前的15家接受制造商能够大规模生产和发布mRNA疫苗，以支持临床开发、国家/地区营销授权和世卫组织资格预审，以及可持续供应，以满足当地和地区的疫苗需求。。

“The mRNA vaccine technology transfer hub is well on its way to create a sustainable mRNA product innovation platform for public health benefit and pandemic preparedness. The platform at Afrigen provides access to mRNA technology for 15 partners in LMICs and straddles the entire vaccine value chain from R&D to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) manufacturing.

“mRNA疫苗技术转让中心正在努力创建一个可持续的mRNA产品创新平台，以促进公共卫生和大流行防范。位于阿夫里根的平台为中低收入国家的15个合作伙伴提供mRNA技术，并跨越从研发到良好生产规范（GMP）制造的整个疫苗价值链。

Following the launch of the program in 2021, we have successfully developed mRNA vaccine technology R&D and production capabilities. Our progress has been accelerated by Merck’s technical expertise,” said Petro Terblanche, CEO of Afrigen Biologics..

该项目于2021年启动后，我们成功开发了mRNA疫苗技术研发和生产能力。默克的技术专长加速了我们的进步，”Afrigen Biologics首席执行官Petro Terblanche说。。

Ike James, Head of Technology Transfer at Medicines Patent Pool, added, “What sets the mRNA technology transfer program apart is the exceptional collaboration among numerous partners, all dedicated to empowering LMICs to develop and manufacture the mRNA vaccines of the future. Today's MoU signing between Afrigen and Merck is a clear testament to this shared commitment and a significant step in this journey.”.

药物专利池技术转让负责人艾克·詹姆斯（IkeJames）补充说：“mRNA技术转让计划与众不同的是众多合作伙伴之间的非凡合作，所有合作伙伴都致力于赋予中低收入国家开发和制造未来mRNA疫苗的能力。今天阿弗里根和默克公司之间签署的谅解备忘录清楚地证明了这一共同承诺，也是这一旅程中的重要一步。”。

Merck is one of the key players in driving mRNA technology forward, improving regional manufacturing capacity, and contributing to global pandemic resilience. Merck’s comprehensive approach involves mRNA expertise, tech-transfer proficiency, regulatory knowledge, and product portfolios streamline manufacturing and testing..

默克公司（Merck）是推动mRNA技术进步、提高区域制造能力和促进全球大流行抵御能力的关键参与者之一。默克公司的综合方法包括mRNA专业知识、技术转让熟练程度、监管知识和产品组合，以简化制造和测试。。