Singapore to develop domestic mRNA vaccines for pandemic readiness

Singapore is launching a pilot program to develop and manufacture domestic mRNA influenza vaccines to enhance readiness for future pandemics, including potential threats referred to by the World Health Organization as ‘Disease X’.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung announced that the Ministry of Health plans to partner with Hilleman Laboratories, a vaccine research and development organization based in Singapore. The Hilleman facility will produce materials for initial clinical trials. If successful, domestic capacity could reach 12 million doses per year, with the potential to transfer technology to larger regional manufacturers.

Singapore has selected the mRNA platform due to its ability to be rapidly adjusted for new pathogens. The nation is also collaborating with various industry leaders, including Sanofi, GSK, Moderna, and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Additionally, Singapore supports the CEPI goal of developing and manufacturing safe, effective vaccines within 100 days of identifying a pandemic threat.