South African vaccine manufacturer Biovac has secured a further $20m (R327m) from two French development finance institutions. This brings its total fundraising to $128m (R2.4bn) and leaves the company within striking distance of its $180m (R2.95bn) target. Moreover, this new investment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing Biovac expansion fundraising effort. Agence Française de Développement and its private-sector arm,…
Tag: Cape Town
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African Vaccine Manufacturing Expansion Set For Biovac Site
The South African vaccine producer Biovac has announced a major expansion of its Cape Town operations. This is a significant development in African vaccine manufacturing. This ambitious project receives significant backing from the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The new financing package will help Biovac develop end-to-end production capabilities. The primary focus will initially…
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Human HIV Vaccine Trial Begins With BRILLIANT 011
South Africa has launched its first-ever human HIV vaccine trial. It is a landmark for a country that remains the global epicentre of HIV. The long-term ambition is clear. Scientists want a safe, affordable vaccine given in the first year of life, with no need for repeat doses. The trial, known as BRILLIANT 011, is a first-in-human study. It has…
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Biovac R&D Lab to Drive Vaccine Manufacturing in Africa
State-backed vaccine manufacturer Biovac has officially launched a new product development laboratory at its Cape Town facility. This move strengthens its capacity to produce vaccines entirely on African soil, from start to finish. The new Biovac R&D lab in Pinelands, Cape Town, will enable scientists to conduct cutting-edge research and development (R&D) on the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for novel…
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Child Brain Injury Treatment Breakthroughs in Cape Town
A Cape Town surgeon is at the forefront of pioneering research that could fundamentally change how traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in children are treated worldwide. This research aims to improve survival rates and recovery outcomes for countless young patients. Professor Anthony Figaji, the head of paediatric neurosurgery at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and a researcher at the…
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Biovac Secures Deal to Produce Pneumonia Vaccine
In a significant move for continental health security, Cape Town-based research group Biovac has announced a major technology transfer agreement with Indian pharmaceutical firm Biological E. The Biovac initiative will enable the company to produce and distribute a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV14) across Africa. This marks a vital step towards self-sufficiency in vaccine manufacturing. The partnership will accelerate the growth…