BioNTech Unveils Modular mRNA Factories for Africa + FDA Authorizes Eli Lilly Monoclonal Antibody Effective Against Omicron – Xtalks Life Science Podcast Ep. 49

In this episode, Ayesha discussed BioNTech’s new modular mRNA factories, called the BioNTainer, that are destined for Africa to help boost COVID-19 vaccine supplies on the continent. The modular production units are housed in containers that come equipped with raw starting materials and state-of-the-art technology for producing mRNA-based vaccines from start to finish, except for the fill-and-finish step, which will be carried out by local manufacturers. Despite most African leaders welcoming the container factories, there is some controversy over BioNTech’s “paternalistic” control over production of its vaccine, especially since it continues to resist calls for patent waivers for its vaccine.

The team also talked about Eli Lilly’s new COVID-19 monoclonal antibody bebtelovimab that received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicated for patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 who are at risk of progressing to severe disease. The treatment replaces Eli Lilly’s previous monoclonal antibody cocktail of bamlanivimab and etesevimab, which was pulled by the FDA over a lack of effectiveness against the Omicron variant. Lilly’s new monoclonal antibody has shown neutralizing activity against Omicron in lab studies so far. The US Department of Human Health Services (HHS) is making it available to patients free of charge. The team discussed how quickly the new monoclonal antibody was developed, showing that companies like Eli Lilly are continuing to work on new iterations of COVID-19 treatments and vaccines in the face of new emerging variants.