Makerere University Reviews Anti-Tick Vaccine Project Progress

The Makerere University Anti-Tick Vaccine Project Committee visited Alfasan Uganda Ltd on June 24 to review the advancements in the Anti-Tick vaccine project, particularly focusing on the progress in the establishment of the vaccine production line at Alfasan Uganda Limited. This visit signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between Makerere University and Alfasan as they work together towards creating a successful Anti-Tick vaccine.

The Principal Investigator (PI) of the Anti-Tick Vaccine Project, Dr. Margaret Saimo-Kahwa, welcomed the team and provided a brief overview of the project’s operations. She highlighted Alfasan’s expertise in manufacturing veterinary and human drugs and mentioned the suggestion by President Yoweri Museveni to collaborate with Makerere University for the production of the Anti-Tick vaccine. The PI assured the team that Alfasan was fully equipped to develop the vaccine in adherence to the standards set by the National Drug Authority.

The Managing Director of Alfasan, Dr. Stephen Birungi, expressed his delight in working with Makerere University, where he once studied at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources, and Biosecurity (CoVAB). He emphasised that a successful collaboration was key to ensuring further advancements and innovations in veterinary medicine.

The Chairperson of Makerere University’s Anti-Tick Vaccine Project Steering Committee, Prof. Henry Alinaitwe, stressed the national significance of the project, noting that it was included in the national budget. He outlined the division of equipment between Makerere University and Alfasan, highlighting the importance of the visit to assess progress at the Anti-Tick Vaccine production site in Namanve.

The facility Pharmacist at Alfasan, Ivan Kafeero, provided a brief history of the company, emphasising its transformation from an international collaboration to a prominent private entity in Uganda. He noted that the collaboration between Alfasan and Makerere University resulted in the joint production of a laboratory experimental vaccine in 2022, necessitating the facility’s upgrade to accommodate vaccine production alongside pharmaceuticals.

During the tour of the vaccine production facility led by Kafeero, various departments were showcased, including raw material warehouses, production sections, laboratories, and packaging rooms. The comprehensive tour demonstrated the facility’s readiness for vaccine production and emphasised the critical need for sustainable energy and water sources to support operations effectively.

Following discussions and observations during the visit, the Committee Chairperson commended the progress achieved thus far and confirmed plans for a follow-up visit in two months to monitor the facility’s operational readiness for commencing production.

The collaborative partnership between Makerere University and Alfasan signifies a ground-breaking initiative in animal healthcare research and underscores the potential for significant advancements in combating tick-borne diseases through innovative collaborations and dedicated efforts.