Biovac
Matthew Williams is an experienced scientist currently serving as a Senior Scientist and Process Specialist at Biovac since August 2017. Previous roles include Senior Scientist, Process Development Scientist, and Conjugation Scientist at the same organization. Matthew contributed to the African Vaccine Manufacturing Initiative as an Administrative Support Officer from January 2018 to December 2022. Earlier experience includes a volunteer position at Axium Education and various roles at the University of Cape Town, including Laboratory Demonstrator and Tutor, as well as Vacation Student. Educational qualifications include an MSc. in Chemistry specializing in Organic Chemistry, a BSc.(Hons.) in Chemistry, and a BSc. in Chemistry and Biochemistry from the University of Cape Town, complemented by an introductory course in Polymer Chemistry at Stellenbosch University.
Biovac
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Biovac was founded in 2003 to revive and restore South Africa’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities. We are an African based manufacturer contributing towards filling the gap that exists in the lack of African vaccine manufacturing capability. We recognise that we’ll only achieve this if we match scientific innovation through local biotechnology skills with the most advanced manufacturing technology and global partnerships. We work closely with local academic institutions, global pharmaceutical companies, the public sector as well as private sector. Some of our achievements are described below: We manufacture highly advanced vaccines on behalf of leading international biopharmaceutical companies. Biovac is licensed to manufacture a fully liquid hexavalent vaccine from Sanofi that targets and protects against six childhood diseases. In 2021, we envisage to start the manufacture of a multivalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine from Pfizer. We supply over 15-million doses of vaccines a year in South Africa and neighbouring countries under strict cold chain conditions. We have built inhouse product development capability and technologies and have successfully out-licensed one of our technologies to international manufacturers. We are working to establish new safeguards against pathogens like group B streptococcus bacteria, a rising cause of sepsis and meningitis in newborns. To do this vital work, we rely on sophisticated technology and, above all, the skills and dedication of more than 350 highly trained team members. Along with our partners, we’ve invested over R800 million in infrastructure and skills development at our manufacturing facilities in Cape Town. These investments are resulting in estimated benefits of more than R500-million a year to the national economy.