Malaysia targets 2028 to produce its first human vaccine to cut import reliance
Malaysia aims to produce its first locally manufactured human vaccine by 2028 to reduce dependence on imports. The project involves a technology transfer partnership with a Chinese firm to produce the PCV13 vaccine.
Why it matters
Domestic vaccine production enhances national health security and reduces economic reliance on foreign pharmaceutical supplies.
Malaysia’s first locally produced human vaccine will be for treating illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis and blood infections, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
A staffer checks the packing of Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV13) at Sinergium Biotech laboratory, in Buenos Aires province, Argentina on September 22, 2021. ()
KUALA LUMPUR: In a step to reduce its reliance on imported vaccines, the Malaysian government is aiming to produce its first human vaccine by 2028.
The first vaccine to be produced will be 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate, known as PCV13, according to a report by The Star.
It is administered through an injection and protects against 13 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and prevents severe illnesses like pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, blood infections and ear and sinus infection, according to the United States’ National Cancer Institute.
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