SOLUTION GROUP UNIT INKS MOU TO COLLABORATE ON HUMAN VACCINE R&D

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- Solution Group Bhd’s (SGB) wholly-owned subsidiary, Solution Biologics Sdn Bhd (Solbio), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to  collaborate on research and development (R&D) of human vaccines, namely Meningococcal, Dengue, Human Papillomavirus, Hand Foot and Mouth, as well as Zika.

SGB said the MoU was inked with the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) and CanSino Biologics Inc (CanSinoBio). Solbio is the ASEAN manufacturing partner of CanSinoBio’s single-dose Convidecia vaccine for COVID-19.

The MoU provides for continued strengthening of future cooperation between the three parties in achieving common goals in providing effective, safe and affordable human vaccines in line with the aspiration of the Malaysian Vaccine roadmap.

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“This MOU will enhance Solbio’s capability in vaccine research and manufacturing and will contribute to the Malaysian bio-based economy in the future,” SGB said in a statement today.

Currently, Convidecia vaccine has received approvals in more than 10 markets such as China, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile, Argentina, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

The company also established local partnerships for distribution in various countries, including setting up fill-and-finish facilities in Mexico, Pakistan, and Malaysia, allowing its COVID-19 vaccine access to more people in developing markets.

SGB said recent studies have shown that using Convidecia as a heterologous booster, via either intramuscular injection or using the inhaled version, generated greater neutralising antibody responses than those induced by a homologous inactivated vaccine booster or heterologous recombinant protein vaccine booster.

"Solbio and CanSino are seeking approval from the Ethics Committee to conduct a clinical trial in Malaysia for Convidecia for inhalation uses type five adenovirus as vector. For inhalation, no injection is required which avoids the risk of needle-stick," it added.

-- BERNAMA