RIVM and WHO entered into collaboration, starting from October 2008, in the implementation of the Sabin-IPV project. The ultimate aim of the project was to establish and completely document a Sabin-IPV production process based on the RIVM Salk technology followed by transferring the technology to vaccine manufacturers in developing countries capable of producing Sabin-IPV vaccine securely.
RIVM (formerly NVI) has prepared Sabin master and working seedlots starting from certified seeds (currently in use for OPV production).
Using the working seedlots six monovalent pools, 2 lots of each type, were produced at production-scale for (pre)clinical trials. Stability studies with (pre-)clinical batches are ongoing.
RIVM will transfer the Sabin-IPV production process and related QC testing to 4 – 6 vaccine manufacturers in low and middle income countries. The partners are/ will be selected by WHO in collaboration with the RIVM.