For decades, yellow fever vaccine production has relied on embryonated chicken eggs, a 1930s-era methodology that struggles to meet rapid demand during outbreaks. Codagenix’s Syn17D-YF platform changes this by utilizing synthetic biology to create a stable DNA virus capable of high-yield production in modern cell culture. Unlike previous attempts to adapt 17D-204 strains, which often resulted in pathogenic mutations, this synthetic approach maintains genetic stability while reducing impurities that can cause adverse reactions in patients.

VaxThera intends to leverage its Medellín-based facility, which features GMP-standard manufacturing with a capacity exceeding 150 million doses annually, to advance the vaccine through clinical trials and regulatory approval. Professor Jorge Osório, CEO of VaxThera, emphasized that the move is designed to shift the burden of vaccine reliance away from outdated systems. The initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s strategy to eliminate yellow fever epidemics, providing a critical alternative for endemic regions in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa as regional health authorities report rising case numbers.