Technology transfer for production of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America
(2024).
Technology transfer for production of COVID-19 vaccines in Latin America.
In
Sun, H. & Sunder, M.
(Eds.),
Intellectual Property, COVID-19 and the Next Pandemic: Diagnosing Problems, Developing Cures
(pp. 382-412).
Cambridge University Press.
https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009282406.020
Abstract
This chapter looks forward by looking back, examining the local production of COVID-19 vaccines in the Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) region. The focus is on technology transfer for local production. That is, while efforts to produce original, "home-grown" vaccines are discussed, attention is primarily directed at the production in LAC countries of the leading vaccines that were most used internationally. Through analysis of technology transfer, as well as the accompanying regulatory challenges, the chapter sheds light on the intense challenges involved with pandemic vaccine production in the Global South. To be sure, with LAC vaccination rates among the highest in the world by late 2022, the issues discussed in this chapter may appear not to be pressing any longer. But building production capabilities – and tapping into existing capabilities – has important implications for preparedness for future pandemics.
