We know that COVID-19 will not be the last pathogen with pandemic potential; the chances of a similar outbreak are between 47% and 57% within the next 25 years. The increasing inevitability of infectious disease outbreaks means the world desperately requires an end to the unsustainable funding cycle for vaccine research and development (R&D).
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) aims to overcome the misfortune that typically characterises vaccine R&D by de-risking investment in research for emerging infectious diseases with epidemic or pandemic potential. CEPI’s work contributes to the 100 Days Mission, a G7-led initiative, spearheaded by the UK, to reduce the timeline of safe and effective diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines from 300 to 100 days. Yet CEPI is missing US $1.5 billion to do this crucial work for its current strategy, CEPI 2.0, which runs from 2022 until 2026. This month, the G7 will assess progress towards the 100 Days Mission, posing a key opportunity for leaders to fill this gap using resources outside of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget.
This report provides a background to vaccine R&D, CEPI’s unique role within this, and its contribution to science innovation. It also sets out the plans to achieve the 100 Days Mission, and why the UK should exhibit its renewed commitment to funding R&D, complementing the establishment of the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, by investing an additional £140 million in CEPI 2.0 using non-ODA resources at the upcoming G7 Summit.