Thread by @JonathanKBall

So, to expand further. The programme (ably assembled by @BBCFergusWalsh) highlighted issues of global vaccine inequity. This is undoubtedly a major challenge and will continue to be so.

https://twitter.com/JonathanKBall/status/1491438963357532161

However, we need to adopt a new model of production and distribution. As the programme wonderfully illustrates. GMP manufacturing capability is incredibly imbalanced, with a few places (like US, UK, Europe, China, India) having the lion's share.

This means that too many low- and middle-income countries are reliant on those places 'doing the right thing' and providing equitable access. But there is a different way.
'Teach me to fish and I will eat for a lifetime...'

One of my past projects was focussed on getting HCV biologics to clinic and required collaboration with process developers and biologics manufacturers. One of these (univercells.com) had biologics for all at the heart of its mission.

This is not an advert for them - I'm sure other companies out there are trying to do similar. I raise it to show that we need to think of different ways of improving accessibility to biologics and other medicines.

Their mantra was to provide easy to use, small- to mid-scale manufacturing capability to low and middle income countries. To provide training and know how and then leave them to be self-sufficient.

Then, with appropriate licensing arrangements, most, if not all countries would be able to make their own. It wouldn't work for all vaccines and treatments, but it would certainly make more sense than over-reliance on a few key makers. Just saying...

One final point. It's been a while since I worked with Univercells and their business model might have changed. What I have relayed above is the model they were pursuing at the time of our interactions: Parachuting in tech and know how, then encouraging self-sufficiency.