As 2023 winds down to a close, we reflect on a year of progress and accomplishments made possible by the continuous support from our collaborators and partners around the world.

We are pleased to share 12 highlights from across the institute, which span the official launch of the IVI Global Council, a new advisory platform engaging all State Parties; the licensure of two vaccines developed in part by IVI including SK bioscience’s COVID-19 vaccine on the WHO’s Emergency Use Listing; vaccination campaigns and studies to protect communities in Fiji and Madagascar against typhoid fever; new training programs and initiatives to build sustainable global vaccine ecosystems; and more.

IVI’s key milestones in 2023

1. Hosted a side event at the 76th World Health Assembly with the Government of the Republic of Korea

IVI and the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare hosted an event on the sidelines of WHA76 with co-sponsoring countries Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Sweden, and Thailand. The event brought together ministers of health and global health and immunization leaders to discuss needs for a skilled and sustainable global biomanufacturing workforce and infrastructure.

2. Launched the IVI Global Council with a joint statement for stronger global vaccine ecosystems and the establishment of an African Vaccine Alliance model

IVI convened the inaugural meeting of its Global Council, a new advisory body composed of State Party representatives. In a Joint Statement, the Global Council calls for global solidarity in preparing against emerging and endemic infectious diseases and supports the establishment of the African Vaccine Alliance model to strengthen end-to-end vaccine manufacturing capacity across the African continent.

3. Welcomed the Republic of Panama as a State Party of IVI

IVI hosted a ceremony at Headquarters in recognition of Panama ratifying IVI’s Establishment Agreement and becoming a State Party. The ceremony brought together diplomats of Latin American and Caribbean countries in celebration of Panama’s full membership.

4. Launched a typhoid vaccination campaign and study in Fiji and Madagascar

As a component of the Typhoid in Fiji – Vaccination towards Elimination (Ty-FIVE) and Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine Introduction in Madagascar (TyMA) projects, IVI led vaccinations using typhoid conjugate vaccine in the Northern District of Fiji and the Arivonimamo and Antananarivo-Atsimondrano districts of Madagascar in partnership with ministries of health and partner organizations to protect communities and assess the impact of vaccination in controlling typhoid.

5. Two vaccines approved by national regulatory authorities including one on WHO’s Emergency Use Listing (EUL)

Based on strong results of an IVI-led global Phase III trial, SK bioscience’s COVID-19 vaccine SKYCovione™ has been  listed on the WHO EUL following its full marketing authorization in the UK. Another partner of IVI, Bio Farma’s Bio-TCV® typhoid conjugate vaccine, initially developed at IVI and transferred to Bio Farma in 2014, was licensed in Indonesia following marketing approval from the national regulatory authority, BPOM.

6. Began clinical development of DuoChol, a new low-cost oral cholera vaccine in capsule form

With funding support from the Wellcome Trust and the Government of Sweden, IVI is partnering with Valneva Sweden AB and Gotovax AB to conduct a Phase I clinical trial of DuoChol, developed by the University of Gothenburg. With its thermostability and light-weight presentation, DuoChol has the potential to simplify vaccine storage and delivery, contributing to more effective and efficient vaccination campaigns in outbreak and endemic settings.

7. Supported development of microneedle array patch (MAP) for delivery of Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine

IVI is leading the establishment of animal models for MR vaccine challenge studies, optimization and validation of serological assays, and assessment of immunogenicity and efficacy of MR-MAP candidates in a joint study with QuadMedicine and Yonsei University. The aim is to develop and expand global access to MR vaccine using new-generation MAP technology, an easy-to-use method of vaccine delivery with minimal discomfort.

8. Expanded capacity-building initiatives to strengthen resilience and sustainability of vaccine ecosystems in LMICs

IVI continues to lead professional trainings in partnership with governments, global health agencies, research institutes, and industry, including the 22nd edition of IVI’s flagship International Vaccinology Course, 2023 Global Training Hub for Biomanufacturing courses, KOR-IDB Biomanufacturing Training, and Hands-on Training for Upstream Process in Vaccine Manufacturing, to build a skilled and experienced vaccine manufacturing workforce in LMICs.

9. Signed an MOU for the establishment of the Global Health Institute in partnership with the University of Cambridge, University of Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Jockey Club

IVI is excited to co-found the Hong Kong Jockey Club Global Health Institute, a new hub for vaccine science and education, translational vaccine research, cultivation of cutting-edge technologies to strengthen pandemic preparedness and regional prevention and control of infectious diseases.

10. Presented the 2023 IVI-SK bioscience Park MahnHoon Award and IVI Founders Medal

Drs. Rino Rappuoli and Mariagrazia Pizza and Profs. Sir Andrew Pollard and Dame Sarah Gilbert received the second Park MahnHoon Award for their extraordinary contributions to the development of crucial vaccines for global health. On the occasion of IVI’s 26th anniversary, Dr. Richard Mahoney received the IVI Founders Medal in recognition of his pivotal role in IVI’s establishment and growth.

11. Renewed partnership with CEPI to accelerate vaccines against emerging infectious diseases

Under the renewed CEPI-IVI Implementing Partnership Agreement, IVI will provide an array of technical services for CEPI-funded projects across the vaccine value chain to help accelerate vaccine development against pathogens with epidemic or pandemic potential in support of the 100 Days Mission.

12. Steered global coalition-building to advance development and availability of safe, effective, and affordable vaccines against Group A Strep and chikungunya

IVI launched SAVAC 2.0, a continuation of the Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium formed to enact the Strep A vaccine R&D roadmap. In Panama, IVI and Gorgas Memorial Institute for Health Studies co-organized the first global stakeholder meeting to identity the current standing of chikungunya vaccines in development, gaps ahead of their availability and accessibility, and ways forward to address these gaps.