Biovac opens a new end-to-end Product Development Laboratory in Cape Town to advance vaccine development and manufacturing for Africa, spanning from early development to drug substance, drug product, and end-product production.

The new facility will house mRNA vaccine technology and advanced research infrastructure to build local capacity for vaccines and therapeutics targeting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and emerging threats like Ebola and new COVID-19 variants.

Across multiple platforms—mRNA, cell culture, and bacterial technologies—the lab enables simultaneous development of multiple vaccines and aims to drive innovation and IP creation for African diseases.

The initiative aligns with government goals to strengthen local pharmaceutical manufacturing and improve health emergency preparedness with homegrown solutions.

Biovac is already manufacturing vaccines for the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) and receives backing from the South African government, the Gates Foundation, and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC).

Currently, Biovac manufactures vaccines for infants and children under the EPI in both private and public sectors, supported by government, the Gates Foundation, and IDC.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Science, Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, calls the project a historic milestone toward full end-to-end vaccine manufacturing capability in Africa, emphasizing local science, innovation, and health emergency preparedness.

The opening will be attended by Dr. Nomalungelo Gina, signaling strong government support for local pharmaceutical manufacturing, health sovereignty, and pandemic readiness.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation says the project strengthens domestic manufacturing and prepares South Africa and Africa to respond to health emergencies with homegrown solutions.

Expected impacts include stronger health security, empowerment of local scientific talent, job creation, and broader economic development, advancing Africa’s health sovereignty in vaccines and related technologies.

Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman describes the project as enabling faster, more reliable access to life-saving vaccines developed and produced in Africa, reinforcing health equity and continental capacity.

Global partnerships are a feature of the launch, notably with the Gates Foundation, underscoring continued support for equitable vaccine access and health innovation in the Global South.