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5–6 Jun 2024
WHO Headquarters
Europe/Zurich timezone
Registration opening soon

Objectives:

The Global Lipid Consortium aims to advance research and innovation in the realm of lipids for mRNA-based applications, with a specific emphasis on the synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of new lipids for use in the development of mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics. The key objectives of the Consortium are as follows:

  • Foster the exchange of scientific knowledge pertaining to the discovery and development of novel lipids.
  • Deliberate on product development pathways for mRNA-based applications, focusing particularly on innovative lipid formulations.
  • Explore the design of research studies to enhance understanding of novel lipids, including considerations such as stability, bio-availability, targeting, and bio-degradability. Evaluate the implications of these factors on the safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy of mRNA-based products.
  • Discuss and propose novel manufacturing processes for mRNA-LNP formulations to optimize production efficiency.
  • Develop normative documents, including a Target Product Profile, to provide guidance and expedite the development of mRNA-based vaccines, incorporating insights into novel lipid applications.
  • Conduct assessments to determine whether the novel lipid structures under investigation within the consortium are already covered by intellectual property held by organizations not affiliated with the consortium.
Starts
Ends
Europe/Zurich
In-Person
WHO Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
M.205/.-.

Background

Announced on 21 June 2021, WHO and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) established a Technology Transfer Programme for mRNA vaccines, with the objective to build manufacturing capacity in LMICs to produce mRNA vaccines. As part of this Programme, the South African Medical Research (SAMRC) is supporting early development research on a 2nd generation mRNA technology platform, including the discovery and development of novel lipids, that aims to improve thermostability, reduce the cost of goods, and address any freedom to operate barriers of novel mRNA products. It is anticipated that these innovations, if successful, will be made available to the mRNA Technology Transfer Partners.

At a WHO mRNA meeting, organized on 31 October-1 November 2023 in Bangkok, mRNA Programme partners recognized the key role of lipids in mRNA-based product development and in mRNA manufacturing process and called for a global research consortium that would accelerate the development of novel lipids for mRNA-based applications.

Registration
Registration for this event is currently open.