Pasteur Network members Unite Global Efforts to Accelerate mRNA Vaccine Research

PNAM2024: Pasteur Network members Unite Global Efforts to Accelerate mRNA Vaccine Research through Strategic Memorandum of Understanding

Rio de Janeiro, October 23^rd, 2024 – Key members of the Pasteur Network, including Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), the Institut Pasteur de Dakar, the Institut Pasteur Korea, the Institut Pasteur, and the Institut Pasteur de Tunis, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in vaccine research and development, part of one of the strategic pillars of the Pasteur Network. This partnership focuses on expanding mRNA vaccine production capabilities and addressing global health challenges through innovative research and international cooperation.

The Pasteur Network is committed to combating infectious diseases and improving global health through research, training, and knowledge sharing. Founded on the principles of collaboration and knowledge sharing, the network leverages the expertise of its members to address pressing health challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The expansion of vaccine manufacturing capacity is a central element of the network’s R&D and innovation strategy. This MoU aims to foster collaboration between member institutions to advance mRNA technology and develop sustainable solutions for vaccine production in regions with limited resources.

A Groundbreaking mRNA Technology Initiative

Under this initiative, three key Pasteur Network members —Institut Pasteur de Tunis, Fiocruz through its unit Bio-Manguinhos, and Institut Pasteur de Dakar—have been selected as partners for mRNA technology, enabling them to enhance local capacities in mRNA vaccine production. The mRNA technology hub will serve as a key platform for the dissemination and implementation of these advanced methods, creating a robust ecosystem for innovation and public health improvement.
Institut Pasteur Korea (IPK), with its expertise in stabilizing mRNA molecules and reducing production costs, will contribute a unique technology platform that supports the development of efficient and cost-effective vaccines.
The Institut Pasteur (located in Paris, France) will provide its renowned research expertise and advanced technology platforms to support the initiative.

Bio-Manguinhos was selected by the World Health Organization as a center for development and production of vaccines with messenger RNA technology in Latin America.

Key Objectives of the MoU are:

• Promoting collaboration on mRNA vaccine research and related biotechnologies.
• Facilitating the exchange of scientific knowledge, academic expertise, and best practices.
• Establishing joint training programs, workshops, and research projects to support mRNA technology development.

The Pasteur Network mRNA Initiative will serve as a platform for ongoing collaboration, enabling participating institutions to exchange knowledge and resources, and drive innovation in vaccine development tailored to regional health needs.


As stated by Dr Odette Tomescu-Hatto, Executive Vice-President, International Affairs at the Institut Pasteur : “The development of MRNA technology represents one of the greatest ongoing revolution in biomedical research. Knowing that mRNA was discovered by scientists at the Institut Pasteur sixty years ago, this begs to show the importance of fundamental research in developing new solutions to fight global diseases. The Pasteur Network’s commitment to favouring scientific exchanges, research collaboration and joint training programs will enhance the global appropriation of this technology, and its contribution to tackling major health challenges. Alongside partners in Dakar, Tunis, Korea and Brazil, the Institut Pasteur will act as a pillar to support vaccine development tailored to both national and regional needs.”