The MANGO device, developed with £2.16 million funding, revolutionizes vaccine production by automating the creation of virus-like particles (VLPs) using cell-free expression technology. It cuts production time from nine days to one, supporting the global 100 Days Mission to respond to pandemics rapidly. MANGO aims to improve vaccine access, reduce costs, and enhance global health equity.
(Image Source: University of Leeds)
100-Day Mission for Pandemic Response: In a breakthrough that could transform global pandemic preparedness, a cutting-edge device called MANGO (Manufacturing on the Go) aims to revolutionize vaccine development by cutting production time to less than 100 days. This ambitious project is part of a £2.16 million proof-of-concept study funded by the UK’s Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) in partnership with international institutions.
The novel device, which automates the production of virus-like particles (VLPs) used in vaccines, is set to disrupt traditional methods of vaccine manufacturing. These methods, often relying on growing components in living cells, can be slow and resource-intensive. By leveraging cell-free expression technology, MANGO could produce VLPs in just one day, a dramatic improvement over the current nine-day process.
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Professor Nicola Stonehouse, a molecular virologist from the University of Leeds, is co-leading the project alongside collaborators from Imperial College London, the University of Toronto, and other esteemed institutions. She expressed her excitement about the potential of this technology:
“Using new technology in vaccine production could help us to create vaccines significantly faster, cut costs, and improve access to immunization globally,” Professor Stonehouse said. “We have developed virus-like particles as potential vaccine candidates, and we are excited to collaborate with partners to develop this technology further.”
Virus-like particles are proteins that mimic viruses in appearance but lack genetic material, making them safe and effective for triggering immune responses. While already utilized in some vaccines, the traditional production of VLPs has been hampered by its reliance on living cells, requiring specialized facilities and lengthy timelines.
MANGO eliminates the need for living cells. Instead, the device uses a cell-free expression system, where essential cellular machinery is extracted and reconstituted to produce proteins outside of a living organism. This streamlined process is not only faster but also reduces the complexity and costs associated with conventional vaccine production.
The MANGO device is designed to be user-friendly. Operators simply load the machine with the necessary input materials—such as DNA templates and reagents—and input instructions for the specific vaccine. From there, the device autonomously handles the entire process, culminating in a final VLP-based vaccine ready for deployment.
Dr. Philip Probert, CPI’s Technology Lead, emphasized the significance of the innovation:
“The development and manufacture of virus-like particle vaccines represents a valuable opportunity for innovation to accelerate timelines and reduce process complexity,” he said. “Working with our international partners, we will apply a novel combination of cell-free expression technology and bespoke hardware to drive a step change in the time required to supply VLP vaccines.”
The MANGO initiative is a pivotal component of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) 100 Days Mission. This ambitious goal, supported by global leaders from the G7 and G20, seeks to slash vaccine development timelines to just over three months in response to emerging pandemics.
“Virus-like particle-based vaccines are well established already, but—until now—the development process has been protracted,” said Dr. Raafat Fahim, CEPI’s Acting Executive Director of Manufacturing and Supply Chain. “The potentially dramatic time-savings that the MANGO device offers could see VLP-based vaccines transition onto a rapid-response platform, directly supporting CEPI’s goal to respond to a Disease X threat with a new vaccine in as little as 100 days after its discovery.”
The speed and efficiency of MANGO could provide an invaluable tool in combating future pandemics, reducing the critical period when vaccines are scarce and vulnerable populations remain unprotected.
Beyond its technical innovation, MANGO has the potential to address a critical global issue: equitable access to vaccines. The device’s portability and self-contained design mean it could significantly reduce the need for traditional infrastructure, specialized equipment, and cold chain storage. This opens the door for localized vaccine production, especially in the Global South, where access to such resources can be limited.
“Enabling global equitable access to vaccines is central to CEPI’s work and at the heart of the 100 Days Mission,” emphasized a CEPI representative. “Innovations that accelerate the speed and scaling up of vaccine manufacturing will make a vital contribution to access when facing a future novel infectious disease.”
The project’s commitment to equity extends beyond distribution. In line with CEPI’s Equitable Access Policy, the data and findings generated from MANGO’s development will be shared with open access, ensuring the global scientific community can benefit from the advancements.
The proof-of-concept study for MANGO is not only a technological endeavor but also a step toward a more resilient global health system. By drastically reducing the time, cost, and complexity of vaccine development, the device could make life-saving immunizations more accessible than ever before.
If successful, MANGO could revolutionize how vaccines are developed, manufactured, and distributed, particularly in response to fast-spreading diseases. It promises to minimize delays in vaccine availability, protect vulnerable populations, and support a coordinated global response to emerging health threats.
For Dr. Fahim and the team at CEPI, the impact of this innovation is clear: “MANGO has the potential to transform VLP-based vaccines into a rapid-response platform, directly contributing to our shared goal of ensuring that the world is better prepared for the next pandemic.”
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As the world continues to grapple with the lessons of COVID-19, innovations like MANGO highlight the critical importance of scientific advancement and international collaboration. With its promise of rapid, equitable, and efficient vaccine production, MANGO offers a glimpse into a future where no disease outbreak is met unprepared. Follow Education Post News for the most recent global insights.
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