Vaccine Technology IX

For more information, visit the previous Vaccine Technology conference page.

May 19-24, 2024 
Los Cabos, Mexico

About This Conference

Vaccine Technology is the leading conference focused on the discovery, development and manufacture of vaccines. It brings together internationally leading experts to discuss the technologies and discoveries that have advanced vaccines for global needs.  

The meeting content is organized by scientists from academia and industry and differentiates itself from commercial conferences by providing very high quality, cutting-edge scientific content.  The conference welcomes presentations from both academia and industry and will have dedicated sessions.

Conference Organization

Chairs

Keynote Speakers

Program

Conference Sessions

I. Novel expression systems and innovative platforms

Chairs: Florian Krammer (Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai) and Tania Pereira Chilima

The 2020 SARS-Cov-2 pandemic was a catalysts for vaccine innovation. This session will give an overview of the latest advances in vaccine expression systems, innovative platforms for novel vaccines, novel technologies and manufacturing strategies. Many different new platforms have been moved forward during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, have been tested in clinical trials and some have made it to the market. Moreover, the manufacturing capacity needs and speed to clinic as also triggered innovation across process and equipment development. Here we will discuss what we learned and what can be successfully applied broadly to vaccine development in the future.

II. Nucleic acid-based vaccines

Chairs: Sudha Chivukula (Sanofi) and Shobha Vasudevan, Harvard Medical School

Experts will discuss current learnings and latest innovation on DNA and RNA-based vaccines. Presentations will cover topics related to design, delivery, development, manufacturing, and regulatory requirements for nucleic acid-based vaccines. Proof-of-concept for next generation vaccines, in the pipeline beyond COVID-19 and elaborations on the prospective improvements will be covered.

III. Regional development and manufacturing of vaccines

Chairs: Leda Castilho (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) and Raman Rao (Hilleman Laboratories)

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for geographically distributed manufacturing of vaccines, but has also shed light on the gaps in development and manufacturing capabilities in several regions of the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Among possible solutions, we could cite the adoption of platform technologies, flexible manufacturing strategies, technology transfers and partnerships with established manufacturers, along with local capacity building and creation of local R&D capabilities. Although centralized manufacturing provides economies of scale, using novel technologies and organizing vaccine production in campaigns may turn distributed manufacturing economically sustainable, while stimulating production of specific vaccines to meet regional needs and enhancing preparedness for future pandemics.

IV. Vaccine manufacturing

Chairs: Stefanie Frank (UCL) and Jason He (WuXi Vaccines)

The development and manufacture of vaccines evolves as we continue to improve on upstream and downstream production of antigens. Each new antigen and vaccine technology presents unique challenges. Advancing bioprocessing often requires better understanding of the experimental space which can be achieved through the implementation of high throughput methodologies, machine learning, quality by design approaches and the creation of novel unit operations that can increase the quality and productivity of the process. This session is dedicated to the advances made in bioprocessing for vaccine development and manufacture.

V. Analytical technology

Chairs: Laura Cervera Gracia (UAB) and Isabelle Knott (GSK)

Analytical characterization of vaccines is a critical aspect to ensure their efficacy and safety. It encompasses all in vitro and in vivo assays to evaluate the biological, chemical, and physical properties of a vaccine. In-depth characterization of vaccines provides an understanding of their function, potency and toxicity. It also provides means to understand how manufacturing processes influence the vaccine quality. In addition, bio-analytical characterization plays a critical role in establishing comparability of the product when produced with different process, scale and site.

VI. Formulation and stability

Chairs: Antonio Roldao (iBET) and Jeff Blue (Merck)

To bring a vaccine from concept to commercialization takes considerable time and requires the formulation scientist to explore multiple compositions, delivery methods, and drug product images as part of the Target Product Profile. As there is a clear driver to continue expanding vaccine coverage and accessibility globally, not only is the formulation composition critical, but exploring new ways to increase immunogenicity (i.e., novel adjuvants) is important in vaccine formulation development. Novel formulations and adjuvants can lower vaccine costs, availability, and decrease the cold-chain requirements critical for increased vaccine access. During this session, the selection and validation of a given formulation composition and novel adjuvant technologies will be explored.

VII. Devices and delivery

Chairs: Sandy Douglas (Oxford University) and Megan Polidano, Vaxxas

New vaccine device and delivery technologies could open doors to better efficacy (for example against mucosal pathogens), better safety & tolerability, and new needle-free vaccine programme options, such as self-vaccination at home. This session will highlight some of the most exciting efforts currently underway to progress development of technologies such as patches, sprays, implants and capsules, and examine the benefits these technologies can offer for global vaccine access and equity. (Keywords: delivery technologies, devices, vaccine)’

VIII. One-health

Chairs: Diego Fontana (Universidad Nacional del Litoral and CEVA Sante Animale) and TBC

As the global population continues to increase and become increasingly interconnected, the need for effective implementation of the One Health concept becomes more urgent. In this context, vaccines will play a pivotal role in controlling emerging zoonotic diseases and fighting antimicrobial resistance. In this session, we will focus on innovative approaches for developing new vaccine candidates or vaccine production processes that positively impact the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, plants, and the wider environment.

Workshops

I. Advanced training of vaccine manufacturing workforce for sustainable pandemic preparedness

Chair: Amine Kamen, McGill University

For better pandemic preparedness, governmental authorities and international organizations are heavily investing in building local capacities for vaccine and biomedicines manufacturing. Training of work force remains a key success factor for the sustainable operations of this capacities and their effectiveness for rapid response to emerging or re-emerging infectious diseases.

Highly qualified personnel in biomanufacturing are needed globally, therefore concerted efforts should be deployed to address these needs.

This workshop invites for discussions of recent training initiatives deployed by different organizations in US, Canada and Europe through academic and not-for profit organizations, as well as WHO initiatives. Importantly, recent initiatives in Africa, exemplified by the human capital development strategy at “Institut Pasteur de Dakar” will be presented.
The goal of the workshop, beyond sharing good practises and supporting material is to promote collaborative efforts in creating value for the effective training of new generation of vaccine manufacturing workforce building on integration of all training models and platforms.

Introduction: Amine Kamen

African Initiative: Institut Pasteur of Dakar (IPD), Senegal example of building capacity and developing human capital to meet the needs of African countries, Dr. Amadou Alpha Sall, CEO of IPD

US perspective with the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), Kelvin Lee, Institute Director

World Health Organization: Current initiatives to address the global needs. Current contact from WHO Alice Malachane

Short presentations from each organization (10 min) followed by questions than an open floor for discussion (30 minutes)

II. Innovations in Global Health

(90min)

Chairs: Rajeshwari Adhiseshan (BMGF) and Tarit Mukhopadhyay (Merck)

Vaccination is considered the most successful healthcare initiative in disease prevention, but achieving universal coverage is still beyond reach. Partly due to the disruptive nature of the Covid-19 pandemic, latest trends indicate a backsliding on childhood vaccinations. According to UNICEF 23 million children missed out on basic childhood vaccines through routine health services in 2020.

This workshop will provide a valuable forum for stakeholders in the vaccine technology field to share their experiences, learn from one another, and identify ways to work together more effectively.

This interactive workshop will cover four broad themes.

1. The importance of partnerships in global health: discussion on the role of partnerships in promoting health equity and improving health outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
2. Successful partnership models: The workshop will showcase successful partnership models from past vaccine development and delivery initiatives. Participants to examine the factors that contributed to the success of these partnerships and identify ways to replicate them in future projects.
3. Challenges and opportunities in partnerships: Participants explore the challenges that arise in partnerships, such as conflicting priorities, and resource constraints and how best to address these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that partnerships provide.
4. Best practices for engaging in meaningful partnerships: The workshop could provide participants with practical tips for engaging in partnerships and outline some of the funding opportunities and priorities for partnerships in global health.

III. A blueprint for accelerating vaccine development and deployment

Chair: Laura Palomares, UNAM and Michael L. King , Scientific Advisory Committee of CEPI

You are developing a new vaccine. Preclinical data looks promising, and a decision is needed to invest your limited resources best. Should you proceed to clinical trials as soon as possible? What are the requirements to proceed to the first-in-human trial? What are the minimum CMC, quality, and analytical requirements to proceed to the different phases of clinical evaluation? Which are the different scenarios determining the vaccine development blueprint? Is your vaccine for emergency/seasonal/routine application? What economic, regulatory, and public health aspects determine vaccine development and deployment? These and other topics related to creating a vaccine development and deployment blueprint will be discussed

IV. Bringing vaccines into market – this is how we do it.

Chair: Manon Cox, NextWaveBio

Taking a vaccine candidate from idea through to commercialization is quite a journey. This interactive workshop features four to five vaccine innovators who will each share their product development plans in five minutes. An expert panel with broad vaccine development expertise will challenge and provide valuable advice on all aspects linked to vaccine development and supporting business model. If you are interested in pitching your product and receiving valuable feedback, contact Manon Cox.

Call for Abstracts

Descriptions of the Sessions  You may pick one or two sessions that you feel your work fits best.

• Oral and Poster abstract deadline: 30 September 2023
• Abstract acceptance notification by: 31 October 2023

Please prepare your abstract according to this template: docx or doc.

All abstracts should be submitted electronically HERE.

Only a limited number of oral presentation slots are available and thus all submissions for oral sessions will be considered for both oral and poster presentation.

Estimated Conference Fee

At this time we are estimating that the conference fees (inclusive of registration, hotel and all meals) will be:

Single Room Occupancy: US$3425.

Shared Room Occupancy: US$2575

Graduate student in a Shared Room: US$2150

Los Cabos

Located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula, Los Cabos consists of three distinct areas: Cabo San Lucas, San José del Cabo, and the coastal highway between them, referred to as the Tourist Corridor.  The area is served by San José del Cabo International Airport which is located about three miles from San José del Cabo and about twenty miles from Cabo San Lucas.

Los Cabos is a combination of desert, beachfront, and mountain terrain, with the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the peninsula and the Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortés, on the east.  The warm, dry, sunny climate and beautiful scenery have turned the former fishing village into a popular vacation destination.

Sportfishing, swimming, snorkeling, diving, sailing, and surfing are among the favorite water sports, and on land, visitors play golf and tennis, explore the desert and beach terrain on dune buggies, hike, and ride mountain bikes, horses, and camels.  There are top restaurants for both elegant and casual dining.

Geography: The region’s geography is a dynamic mix of unspoiled desert landscape, white beaches and dramatic rock outcroppings.  “El Arco,” the distinctive rock arch that sits at the tip of Land’s End, is the most famous geographic landmark of Los Cabos.  “El Arco” dips into the sea at exactly the spot where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortez.  It is the remarkable result of the pounding waters on both sides.

Currency and Time Zone: The Mexican peso is the official currency, but American dollars are also commonly accepted.  The time zone is Mountain Time.

Climate and Temperatures: Los Cabos is a subtropical desert.  During June, highs can be in the low 30^os C (around 86-88^oF) with occasional showers and lows of about 19^oC (around 66^oF). 

Local transportation: For transportation from the airport, please see Airport Transfers.  Taxis are available at hotel.  In San José del Cabo, red and yellow taxi and operate and in Cabo San Lucas, the vans are blue and green – they operate 24 hours a day.   The Subucabos buses run between Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo every day from about 5:00 am in San José and about 5:20 am in Cabo.  They run about every 20 minutes until approximately 9:30 pm.

Outdoor Activities: For those who are able to extend their stay in Los Cabos, the following outdoor recreational activities have proven very popular with visitors: Sport-fishing, hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, ATV & off-roading, bungee Jumping, camel ride tours, camping, rappelling, zipline.

Safety: Los Cabos has earned the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) stamp of approval for its “Safe Travels badge, qualified by adopting WTTC’s standardized health and hygiene protocols across the destination.  The seven step-system evaluated and strictly implements health and safety protocols across the airport, transportation, accommodations, restaurants and bars, tour activities, the beach and throughout the local community. Los Cabos has also achieved Sharecare Health Security Verification, becoming the world’s first verified travel destination.  This designation signifies that the majority of the hotels and resorts in he destination continue to ensure that their health protocols are in compliance with over 360 expert-validated global standards.Apps to Download: Los Cabos Offline Travel Map (iOs) (offline map, weather, driving routes, hotels, banks, hospitals); Los Cabos Travel Pro (Android) (pre-trip information and reference details for Los Cabos); Art Walk San José del Cabo (iOs) (information on galleries, news, events, photos, maps of the Gallery District).

Conference Hotel

Address

Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Resort Hotel
Avenida Paseo de los Pescadores S/N, 23400
San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico

The conference will be held at the Secrets Puerto Los Cabos Resort Hotel which is located in front of the Sea of Cortez.  It is an adult-only oceanfront all-suite hotel with such amenities as free internet access, free parking, fitness center, pool, spa, laundry, golf course, concierge, gourmet a la carte restaurants, bars and lounges.  The rooms feature blackout curtains, bathrobes, air conditioning, coffee/tea maker, cable/satellite TV and a whirlpool bathtub.

The hotel is just ten minute rom downtown San José del Cabo and 30 minutes from the Los Cabos International Airport.

Airport and Airport Transfers

The San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD) has recently enjoyed a number of upgrades and expansions, including the addition of a second terminal specifically for international flights to ensure that travelers experience the highest levels of comfort and safety.  It is located just 20 minutes north of San José and welcomes domestic, international and private/charter flights year round. 

ECI has contracted with a company that has provided airport transfers at previous ECI conferences in Mexico.  The reservation information will be activated when we open registration for this conference.  We highly recommend using this service as they will provide deluxe vehicles with air-conditioning; private transportation with group participants only; meet and greet services by a bilingual staff; complete assistance with lost luggage should that happen; coordination of luggage handling between the airport and the hotel; printed signs with the ECI logo and conference name so that they are readily seen as you exit the baggage claim area.

Sponsors

Sponsorship Opportunities

Package A: $1,000 

• Name of Company on Sponsor List in Program 
• Company Logo displayed on screen between sessions 

Package B: $2,500 

• Half page ad in program 
• Name of Company on Sponsor List in Program 
• Company Logo displayed on screen between sessions 

Package C: $5,000 

• Full page ad in program 
• Sponsor a Coffee Break including poster display 
• Name of Company on Sponsor List in Program 
• Company logo and link on conference website 
• Company Logo displayed on screen between sessions 

Package D: $7,500 

• Sponsor a Scientific Session or Workshop including brief oral introduction 
• Full page ad in program 
• Name of Company on Sponsor List in Program 
• Company logo and link on conference website 
• Company Logo displayed on screen between sessions 

Package E: $10,000 

• Table of company information (*space limited) 
• Full page ad in program 
• Name of Company on Sponsor List in Program 
• Company logo and link on conference website 
• Company Logo displayed on screen between sessions 

Package F: $20,000 

• Table of company information (*space limited) 
• Company information packet available in attendees’ registration materials 
• Company logo and link on conference website 
• Full page ad in program 
• Company logo displayed on screen between sessions 
• Name of company on sponsor list in program 

Contact: Kevin Korpics (kevin@engconfintl.org) for information.

Vaccine Technology Conferences History

Vaccine Technology I (2006)
Barry C. Buckland, John G. Aunins, Emilio A. Emini, and Jerald C. Sadoff 
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Vaccine Technology II (2008)
Barry C. Buckland, John G. Aunins, Paula Marques Alves, and Kathrin Jansen
Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
Digital Archives

Vaccine Technology III (2010)
Barry C. Buckland, John G. Aunins, Paula Marques Alves, and Kathrin Jansen
Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico
Digital Archives

Vaccine Technology IV (2012)
Barry C. Buckland, John G. Aunins, Paula Marques Alves, and Kathrin Jansen
Albufeira, Algarve, Portugal
Digital Archives

Vaccine Technology V (2014)
Laura Palomares, Manon Cox, John Aunins and Kathrin Jansen
Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Vaccine Technology VI (2016)
Laura Palomares, Tarit Mukhopadhyay, Manon Cox and Nathalie Garçon
Albufeira, Portugal
Digital Archives

Vaccine Technology VII (2018)
Amine Kamen, Tarit Mukhopadhyay, Charles Lutsch, Nathalie Garcon
Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Digital Archives

Vaccine Technology VIII (2022)
Tarit Mukhopadhyay, Charles Lutsch,  Linda Hwee-Lin Lua, Francesc Godia  Sitges, Spain
Digital Archives

General Information About ECI

Engineering Conferences International (ECI) is a not-for-profit, global engineering conferences program, originally established in 1962 that provides opportunities for the exploration of problems and issues of concern to engineers and scientists from many disciplines.

The format of the conference provides morning and late afternoon or evening sessions in which major presentations are made. Poster sessions will be scheduled for evening discussion as well. Available time is included during the afternoons for ad hoc meetings, informal discussions, and/or recreation. This format is designed to enhance rapport among participants and promote dialogue on the development of the meeting. We believe the conferences have been instrumental in generating ideas and disseminating information to a greater extent than is possible through more conventional forums.

All participants are expected both to attend the entire conference and to contribute actively to the discussions. The recording/photographing of lectures and presentations is forbidden. As ECI conferences take place in an informal atmosphere, casual clothing is the usual attire.

Smoking is prohibited at ECI conferences and conference functions.