On July 21–22, 2026, the two-day meeting of the Pasteur Network Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative (PN-VMI) was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hosted by the Fiocruz-Bio-Manguinhos Foundation. This scientific event brought together 13 member institutes of the Pasteur Network from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, alongside strategic partners including CEPI and IVI. Additionally, two new centers from Panama (CRIVB) and Argentina (Sinergium Biotech) joined the group. The Panamanian center brings to the network a 1,400 m² advanced BSL-2 facility, while the Argentine center contributes high-scale production capacity, further strengthening the network. During the event, Fiocruz, which has been selected as the Latin American mRNA hub, unveiled its dual platform comprising conventional mRNA vaccines and self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines, and announced that it is awaiting approval for its Phase I clinical trial stages.

In conclusion, participants prioritized three joint projects: a Leishmaniasis mRNA vaccine, a universal influenza vaccine, and an mRNA vaccine for tuberculosis. It was also announced that negotiations are progressing with PT Bio Farma in Indonesia for potential future membership. At this gathering, Dr. Tahereh Sadeghcheh (Head of the Quality Control Department of the Production and Research Complex) and Dr. Fahimeh Bagheriamiri (Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics) from the Institut Pasteur of Iran were invited, with financial support from the Pasteur Network. They presented the production and research capabilities of their institute, paving the way for potential participation in future projects of the Pasteur Network Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative.

The Pasteur Network is an alliance comprising 32 institutes in 25 countries, with over 50 reference laboratories and 17 collaborating centers of the World Health Organization. The Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative was launched by the Pasteur Network in 2024 to address critical gaps in vaccine access and production. This collaborative and self-sustaining ecosystem brings together 13 member institutes from Africa (Algeria, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia), Asia (Iran, Vietnam, South Korea), Europe (Greece, France with its Paris and Lille branches), and the Americas (Fiocruz/Bio-Manguinhos, Brazil). By harmonizing procedures, accelerating technology transfer, and promoting joint operations, the Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative aims to strengthen regional sovereignty and equitable access, while consolidating global public health security through local leadership.

Link to the news on the Pasteur Network website:
https://pasteur-network.org/news/pasteur-network-vaccine-manufacturing-initiative-meeting-building-vaccine-sovereignty-rio-de-janeiro-21-22-july-2026/