Capacity to make vaccines needed to respond to pandemic influenza has increased 300 percent, according to collaborative study [pdf] by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) released Tuesday.
However, it has not increased enough to meet global need in the actual case of a global pandemic. The study found that in the most likely case it would take four years to manufacture enough vaccine to meet global demand at current technology levels.
The WHO recommended in a press release continued transfer of technology to developing country vaccine manufacturers. The organisation is currently accepting proposals for new projects – designating five to date: Vacsera (Egypt), Green Cross (Korea), Cantacuzino (Romania), Torlak (Serbia), Razi (Iran) according to the release. Six already extant projects are in negotiations with WHO for continued grant funding.