Merck unit partners with global health coalition to develop affordable Ebola vaccine

Jan 21 (Reuters) – Merck & Co unit MSD and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations said on Wednesday they have partnered on a $30 million program to develop an updated version of the drugmaker’s Ebola vaccine aimed at improving affordability and access for low- and middle-income countries.

The collaboration will work to improve the manufacturing process for Merck’s WHO-prequalified Ebola vaccine, Ervebo, to increase yield and extend shelf life, CEPI said.

Ervebo’s current production process is complex, making it expensive and difficult to manufacture at scale, CEPI said. The planned improvements could reduce costs and allow the vaccine to be stored in a standard refrigerator for several months, the organization added.

MSD will work with Hilleman Laboratories on development of the updated vaccine and will explore options to supply public-sector buyers in low- and middle-income countries at a significantly lower price than the current vaccine.

CEPI said its funding will support Hilleman’s clinical development work. SK bioscience and IDT Biologika will develop the updated drug-substance process and related drug product.

(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid)