Regional approach, global impact
Our research program is collaboratively designed with our project partners in South East Asia, aiming to achieve two primary objectives:
- Enhancing South East Asia’s preparedness for epidemics/pandemics.
- Tackling challenges and pain points in vaccine manufacturing.
Infectious diseases in South East Asia: Exploring 3 major vaccine platforms
Our primary focus revolves around infectious diseases relevant to South East Asia, with a particular emphasis on dengue and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).
Our hub actively collaborates with global initiatives to collectively tackle challenges in global health, fostering a united effort towards sustainable solutions.
The UK-SEA Vax Hub is working predominantly with 3 major vaccine platforms:
- mRNA-based vaccines
- protein-based vaccines (with a particular interest in virus-like particles)
- viral vector-based vaccines
These vaccine platforms facilitate swift responses to emerging variants or novel diseases (e.g., Disease X). Understanding that vaccines extend beyond preventive measures, our hub is also committed to the development and manufacturing of therapeutic vaccines.
Five integrated work packages: Comprehensive coverage and in-depth exploration
Our research programme consists of five interconnected work packages, each reinforcing and complementing the others.
The significance of vaccine manufacturing is parallel to that of vaccine development; both are indispensable and must coexist to ensure effective global health outcomes.
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WP1 (Vaccine manufacturing roadmap for sustained impacts in South East Asia)
WP1 aims to determine factors for the long-term success of the UK-SEA Vax Hub in promoting disease prevention in South East Asia. It will conduct techno-economic modelling and examine the economic and political context specific to the region to sustain multiproduct vaccine manufacturing capacity.
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WP2 (Vaccine manufacturing supply chain: Resilience by design)
WP2 will tackle the limitations of existing vaccine supply chain optimization models by developing realistic simulation models that incorporate supply and demand disruptions, and integrate optimization methods for flexible and robust supply chain planning.
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WP3 (HEK and virus-like particle platforms for rapid manufacturing and assembly of monovalent and multivalent vaccines)
A focus of WP3 is to establish a high-performance HEK cell line platform for the manufacture of viral vectors and protein subunit vaccines, including a multivalent dengue vaccine. Additionally, WP3 will develop a thermostable virus-like particle (VLP) platform to enhance the immunogenicity of subunit vaccines.
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WP4 (Multiproduct and multivalent mRNA and circ-RNA vaccine design and manufacturing for South East Asia needs)
WP4 will create and deliver methods for making batch and continuous RNA vaccines for dengue and HFMD. The RNA vaccines will include linear mRNA and circ-RNA encoding single or multiple protein antigens.
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WP5 (Vaccine manufacturing training and technology transfer)
WP5 is devoted to enhancing the skills and knowledge of researchers in South East Asia through targeted training programmes.
World-class research facilities
Our cutting-edge research facilities encompass all 3 vaccine platforms — mRNA,
protein, and viral vector:
Our research benefits from state-of-the-art facilities within our core universities, enhancing the quality and depth of our research endeavors.
University Partners
