Malaysia targets 2028 for first locally produced human vaccine

Malaysia is poised to manufacture its first human vaccine locally as early as 2028, a significant stride towards enhancing national health security and decreasing dependence on imported vaccines. This initiative marks a critical step in strengthening the country's pharmaceutical capabilities.

The initial target is the production of the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13), which protects against 13 types of Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria responsible for serious illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. Pharmaniaga, a local company, is spearheading this manufacturing effort through a technology transfer agreement with a Chinese firm.

Currently, Malaysia imports all its vaccines from various countries, including the United States, France, Belgium, Japan, South Korea, India, Thailand, and Indonesia. Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang emphasized that local production of PCV13 will bolster Malaysia's preparedness for future health crises.

"The Covid-19 pandemic had shown the risks of not having domestic capability in critical technologies such as vaccines," Chang stated. He explained that reliance on foreign suppliers means other countries dictate delivery timelines and pricing, particularly problematic during global health emergencies. Malaysia's goal is to achieve full human vaccine development capability by 2030, potentially sooner in 2028, thereby strengthening its technological sovereignty in critical areas.

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The Covid-19 pandemic had shown the risks of not having domestic capability in critical technologies such as vaccines. When you rely on other countries, they will decide when to deliver the vaccine to us and they will decide what price they want to sell to us. So it becomes an issue, especially when a crisis happens