NIMR Positioned as Regional Hub for mRNA Vaccine Development

… as WHO, MPP validate preparedness for technology adoption

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP) – a UN-backed public health organisation dedicated to expanding access to essential medicines and health technologies in low- and middle-income countries – have commended the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) for its pioneering vaccine research programme aimed at advancing Nigeria’s capacity for vaccine production.

During a facility tour of NIMR’s laboratories in Lagos, representatives of both organisations expressed satisfaction with the institute’s mRNA Programme for Africa (mNPA) and its preparedness for the implementation of mRNA technology in the country.

DG, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa conducting the visitors round the proposed laboratory space for mRNA vaccine R&D

The Nigerian Consortium mRNA laboratory, funded by MPP and hosted at NIMR, serves as a hub for absorption, incubation, research, and development of vaccine candidates before their eventual transfer to other members of the consortium.

Speaking after the visit, Dr. Ire James, Technical Officer at MPP, praised NIMR and its Biovax team for developing a strong work plan for the project. He also commended NIMR’s Director General, Prof. John Oladapo Obafunwa, for his leadership.

“I think that you (DG), driving this not only from a Nigerian perspective but also regionally, will give this programme through MPP and WHO a lot of momentum. That is a key takeaway for us,” he said, noting that the project positions NIMR as a strategic hub for mRNA research and related activities in Nigeria and beyond.

He further remarked on NIMR’s regional leadership in HIV testing with Roche equipment, stressing that the same strength could be applied to mRNA development and training.

Director of Research, Dr. Bamidele Iwalokun explains research activities at the Central Research lab, Next Generation Sequencing suite to the visitors.

“A lot of the hard work has already been done. We are definitely on track, and seeing the DG at the helm gives us great confidence. I return very encouraged,” he added. Other members of the delegation, including the WHO Supply Chain Management Officer;  Dr. Tiwadayo Braimoh and the Policy and Strategy Manager at MPP, Mr. Omotayo Hamzat also expressed satisfaction with NIMR’s facilities and the progress recorded so far.

The facilities visited included; Biobank facility, next generation sequencing suite of the central research laboratory, gas chromatography- mass spectroscopy platform, Roche robot for hepatitis B viral load detection as well as the new building complex for clinical trials.

In his remarks, Prof. Obafunwa thanked the visiting team for their support and assured them of NIMR’s commitment to sustaining progress on the project.

“This partnership will be mutually beneficial, but more importantly, it will have a direct positive impact on the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.

DG of NIMR, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa (centre), with senior staff of the institute in a group photograph with visiting officials of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).