The Bio Investments Group AG (BIG), a leading global healthcare-technology transfer platform, and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), an international organization dedicated to advancing vaccine discovery, development, and delivery, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating local vaccine manufacturing, clinical evidence generation, and capacity building across Africa and the Middle East.

This partnership underscores a shared vision to enhance global health security by fostering vaccine self-reliance in emerging markets, aligning BIG's execution and investment capabilities with IVI's technical guidance and global vaccine research, development, and regulatory expertise.

"This MoU marks a pivotal moment in our mission to localize life-science capabilities where they are needed most," said Sam Machour, CEO & Chairman of the Bio Investments Group. "By partnering with IVI, a globally respected institution, we are combining our investment and pharmaceutical technical capabilities in cutting-edge infrastructure and technology transfer with their deep vaccines scientific and public health expertise. Our joint efforts will accelerate the pace to self-sufficiency, will not only bring high-quality vaccines closer to African populations but also empower local economies through sustainable manufacturing and job creation."

Key Areas of Cooperation under the MoU include:

• Local Manufacturing & Technology Transfer: IVI will provide technical expertise and regulatory support to facilitate WHO prequalification for locally manufactured products, while BIG will lead infrastructure development and technology transfer execution, ensuring efficient, high-quality local vaccine production in Africa.
• Clinical Development & Data Generation: IVI will coordinate clinical trials, effectiveness studies, and safety research in Africa to generate the necessary evidence base for vaccine introduction and public-sector adoption, with BIG supporting industrial engagement and market access strategies.
• Capacity Building & Vaccine Self-Reliance: IVI will offer training programs and technical assistance to develop local expertise, supporting public-private partnerships for vaccine self-reliance. BIG will invest in physical infrastructure, such as Centers of Excellence, and collaborate on vaccine security strategies, aiming to build a sustainable local workforce and establish regional leadership in vaccine manufacturing.

This collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to Africa's public health agenda by fostering a robust and resilient vaccine ecosystem, reducing reliance on imports, and strengthening regional preparedness for future health challenges.