VaxThera, the vaccine “Made in Colombia” is a reality and marks a milestone in sanitary sovereignty

May 16, 2024

The inauguration of the VaxThera plant promises to strengthen health sovereignty and boost biotechnology research in Latin America.

VaxThera: Innovation and Health Sovereignty in Colombia

On June 29, 2021 Seguros SURA announced the creation of VaxThera, with the objective of consolidating Colombia’s health autonomy. This biotechnology company will focus on the research, development, importation and commercialization of vaccines against COVID-19 and its variants, as well as other emerging viral agents, and represents a crucial breakthrough for both the country and Latin America.

Hoy inauguramos una ciudadela de ciencia e investigación de 35 mil m2 que tendrá la capacidad de producir más de 100 millones de dosis de vacunas al año. Este es un avance significativo que facilitará el acceso a vacunas y terapias en Colombia, Latinoamérica y el mundo. 🧬 pic.twitter.com/7P1zu8zRDT
— VaxThera (@vaxthera) May 15, 2024

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VaxThera is now a reality

After an investment of more than 100 million dollars, VaxThera was officially inaugurated this Wednesday. The firm, part of the SURA conglomerate, will specialize in the manufacture of vaccines in Colombia. With facilities equipped with advanced technology and processes that meet international standards, the complex has the capacity to process and finish more than 100 million doses of biologicals annually.

The recent development includes the completion of the first phase of its 35,000-square-meter facility, which comprises six operational and administrative blocks for handling biologics in single- and multiple-dose liquid formats.

In addition to its state-of-the-art infrastructure, VaxThera has established a “science and research citadel” on the same site, which will also enable the production of more than 100 million doses of vaccines per year. This development will significantly facilitate access to vaccines and therapies in the region and globally, strengthening the capacity to respond to health emergencies.

Since its conception in 2021, VaxThera has been committed to the development of vaccines and therapies on viral vector and mRNA platforms. This work has been possible thanks to the Colombian human talent and the focus on vaccine packaging and finalization practices of the country’s Expanded Plan of Immunization.

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A promising future for biotechnology in Colombia

VaxThera’s strategy includes strengthening the transfer of knowledge and technology with recognized biotechnology nations such as the United States, Belgium, India, China, South Africa, Brazil and Argentina. These countries recognize Colombia’s potential thanks to its research talent, good health practices, strategic location, biodiversity and infrastructure.

The new plant not only symbolizes an industrial achievement, but also becomes a vital research center to combat diseases such as coronavirus, Monkeypox, Chikungunya, Zika, Yellow Fever, Dengue and Influenza. Its design includes unidirectional routes and segregated areas that ensure sterilization and quality in the handling of biologicals.

The estimated production capacity is between 100 and 120 million doses per year, with a process that includes the sterilization of vials at temperatures of up to 350ºC, eliminating any possible contaminants. Once filled, the vials are stored in extremely cold conditions to ensure their preservation until they are distributed.

Implications for health sovereignty and science in Colombia

VaxThera is also preparing to obtain certifications of good manufacturing practices from international health agencies such as the FDA (United States) and the EMA (Europe), in addition to the local INVIMA. These certifications not only validate the quality and safety of the products, but also strengthen Colombia’s position as a key player in the global pharmaceutical industry.

The inauguration of VaxThera not only marks a historic day for Colombia, but also reflects a clear strategic direction towards the consolidation of a national pharmaceutical industry that can compete in the global market, differentiating itself from proposals that suggest that Colombia should simply be a maquila for big pharma. This advance in the local production of vaccines is a decisive step towards strengthening the country’s health sovereignty and scientific independence.

From a public health perspective, it is important to recognize, as evidenced by China and other nations that effectively managed the COVID 19 pandemic, that vaccination is only part of the multiple strategies needed to control the situation, but that it is always more economical and effective to produce the vaccines themselves.