Afrigen Biologics Advancing Development of mRNA Vaccine for Rift Valley Fever
Caryn Fenner and Petro Terblanche explain how CEPI’s $6.2 million grant will advance Afrigen’s mRNA vaccine for Rift Valley fever through preclinical and Phase I trials in Africa.
Afrigen Biologics, a South African biotechnology company, got $6.2 million in funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to develop the first mRNA-based vaccine for Rift Valley fever (RVF). This funding will advance the vaccine candidate through preclinical development and into Phase I clinical trials, with testing planned in South Africa or another outbreak-affected country.
RVF, a mosquito-borne disease affecting humans and livestock in Africa and the Middle East, has long been a concern due to its potential to cause epidemics and pandemics. While vaccines for animals exist, no licensed human vaccine is currently available. The CEPI investment marks the fourth commitment to RVF vaccine development and the first to support an mRNA-based candidate. The project aligns with CEPI’s mission to accelerate the development of vaccines for epidemic threats, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Afrigen’s mRNA technology, developed through its role in the WHO and Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, aims to respond quicker to RVF outbreaks than traditional vaccines. The company also plans to build local vaccine production capacity across Africa to address urgent needs and strengthen regional preparedness for future outbreaks.
In our interview, Caryn Fenner, leader of Afrigen’s mRNA program, explained the importance of the project, "Rift Valley fever is a zoonotic disease. It can pass from animals to humans, which makes it a significant concern for both public health and agriculture. In animals, it causes abortions in livestock, which is devastating for farmers. Humans can get infected either through mosquito bites or by handling infected animals. Given the potential for RVF to cause widespread outbreaks, we need to prevent these occurrences through vaccination. This is why we’re developing an mRNA vaccine, using a One Health approach that could benefit both humans and animals."
The CEPI funding, which is pivotal to advancing the vaccine, will allow Afrigen to test its mRNA platform against a pathogen that has both severe health and economic implications. Afrigen's CEO, Petro Terblanche, emphasized the significance of CEPI’s support, "Developing a vaccine for a neglected disease like Rift Valley fever is a complex and costly process. The reality is that for diseases with limited economic value, it’s difficult for private entities to fund their development. CEPI’s support is crucial for the continued advancement of vaccines for diseases that have a major impact on low- and middle-income countries. This partnership not only helps address RVF, but it also allows us to test our mRNA platform for other pathogens, expanding its potential far beyond COVID-19."
Afrigen’s mRNA technology was initially validated with a COVID-19 vaccine, but this RVF project marks a key step in diversifying the company’s vaccine portfolio. The funding will help test the platform on RVF, a disease that has both a high mortality rate and significant economic consequences due to its effect on livestock. "This project is a great opportunity to diversify our product portfolio and test the platform on a high-risk pathogen with pandemic potential," added Terblanche.
As Fenner said, "This is not just about preventing RVF, it’s about building a sustainable framework for mRNA vaccine development in Africa. Our goal is to ensure that vaccines are accessible, affordable, and produced locally, helping mitigate the risks posed by emerging diseases."
With this support, Afrigen is positioned to make a significant impact on the global health landscape by addressing a critical public health threat in Africa and advancing mRNA vaccine technology in the region.
