Biovac

Biovac 🇿🇦 Biopharmaceutical company
🌍 Sustainable African vaccine manufacture
🏆 2025 Top Employer – Awarded by the Top Employer Institute

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.

🌍A Historic Milestone for South Africa and the Continent. 👏Today, Biovac, in partnership with the South African Medical ...
11/11/2025

🌍A Historic Milestone for South Africa and the Continent. 👏

Today, Biovac, in partnership with the
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), officially launched the clinical trial of the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV-S). This is South Africa's first self-made vaccine to start trial.

Hosted at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, this landmark event brought together leaders from South African government, local & global science communities, and other participants to global health initiatives. Amongst our esteemed guests were the Honourable Minister of the Department of Health South Africa, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, and the Honourable Deputy Minister of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, (DSTI), Dr Nomalungelo Gina.

Our OCV-S project marks a major leap toward Africa’s scientific independence and vaccine self-reliance, made possible through the tech-transfer collaboration with the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) and support from the Gates Foundation, Wellcome Trust, Open Philanthropy, and the ELMA Foundation.

"Our OCV vaccine, represents more than science, it represents hope, resilience, and Africa’s capacity to protect its own,” says Dr Morena Makhoana, CEO of Biovac.

Professor Glenda Gray, South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Chief Scientific Officer said: “We are honoured to lead the clinical trials for the Oral Cholera Vaccine, a historical landmark for our country and a vital step in strengthening our country’s ability to respond to infectious diseases."

The OCV-S clinical trial embodies Biovac’s evolution from vaccine distributor, in its earlier days, to TODAY being a full-scale vaccine developer and manufacturer, reinforcing our commitment to advancing Africa’s health security and innovation ecosystem.

Last, but certainly not least, this milestone was made possible by , through the power of UBUNTU, the hours of unseen preparation, precision, compliance, coordination, and overall talent & passion that each of you bring every day. We thank you, for your generous contribution to the team. Together, we’re building a future where vaccines for Africa are made in Africa.

What an incredible and giant leap forward for local healthcare

This is African science. African innovation. African impact.

Watch the Highlights on Youtube:

Full Launch Ceremony: https://lnkd.in/dTZsKAFW

Live Vaccine Administration Demonstration, lead by Professor Gray: https://lnkd.in/dDbTVYwQ

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

The future of progress begins with healthy girls. 💪👧🏿👧🏻Whether it’s access to vaccines, education, or opportunity, it al...
10/10/2025

The future of progress begins with healthy girls. 💪👧🏿👧🏻

Whether it’s access to vaccines, education, or opportunity, it all starts with protecting her right to health.

This year, we partnered with Girls With Wiings and ran an internal drive in support of women and girls, helping ensure that no young girl is held back by a lack of essential resources.

Let’s raise strong girls today for stronger communities tomorrow. 💜

What a vibe! 💚💛❤️Biovac came alive this Heritage Month with the rhythms of Ubuntu—from the marimba beats to plates fille...
24/09/2025

What a vibe! 💚💛❤️

Biovac came alive this Heritage Month with the rhythms of Ubuntu—from the marimba beats to plates filled with flavours from our very own Heritage Cookbook.

Here’s to the cultures, stories and people that make South Africa shine. 🇿🇦✨

Every hand tells a story of care. From grandparents to grandchildren, vaccines protect the ones we love the most. Patien...
18/09/2025

Every hand tells a story of care. From grandparents to grandchildren, vaccines protect the ones we love the most. Patient Safety is everyone's responsibility - because we care about every generation, patient safety is always top of mind for Biovac.

We went   💡 We celebrated the passions, quirks, and hidden talents that make us who we are, beyond our job titles. 🎶⛸️🏃‍...
09/09/2025

We went 💡 We celebrated the passions, quirks, and hidden talents that make us who we are, beyond our job titles. 🎶⛸️🏃‍♂️🪨

Inclusion means seeing the whole person. Because every story matters. Every difference makes us stronger. 💜

We’ve gone from paper-based to paperless with Sherpa, our new digital EM system. That means instant alerts, better data,...
28/08/2025

We’ve gone from paper-based to paperless with Sherpa, our new digital EM system. That means instant alerts, better data, and zero manual handling.

Innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it’s how we protect lives.

26/08/2025

Vaccines for Women at Every Stage of Life.

From adolescence to adulthood, protection through every chapter.

Consider vaccines such as Rubella, Hepatitis B, HPV, and Flu as important.

Vaccines are not just for babies; they’re really important throughout life for all women: adolescents, mothers, daughters, and future leaders.

👩‍⚕️ Speak to your healthcare provider.
📆 Stay informed. Stay protected.
❤️ Your health is worth it.

What does the future of African health look like?Confident. Purpose-driven. Inspired.Just like our bioGRADs.
21/08/2025

What does the future of African health look like?

Confident. Purpose-driven. Inspired.
Just like our bioGRADs.

18/08/2025

Bringing drug substance manufacturing to Africa isn’t just a milestone; it’s about shaping the continent’s future. Lauren Bhayat shares how this rare, critical capability builds skills, strengthens vaccine production, and delivers on our mission, vaccines in Africa, for Africa. 💉🌍

When we make space for other women to lead, we help break cycles of exclusion and build the future together." – Lauren B...
09/08/2025

When we make space for other women to lead, we help break cycles of exclusion and build the future together." – Lauren Bhayat, Chief People & Brand Officer.

On , we’re shining a light on the power of mentorship and women supporting women. From interns to future leaders, we rise stronger together.

Here’s to the women of Biovac who are transforming the vaccine industry and lifting others as they do it.

From fresh faces to future changemakers!Six months ago, our 2025 intern cohort stepped into the world of vaccine manufac...
31/07/2025

From fresh faces to future changemakers!

Six months ago, our 2025 intern cohort stepped into the world of vaccine manufacturing, and since then, they've been building skills and playing their part in protecting public health.

This National Intern Day, we celebrate the passion and dedication our interns bring to Biovac. The future of African vaccine innovation is bright, and it's walking our corridors.

Let’s hear from the interns themselves.

30/07/2025

Shaping tomorrow, one step at a time.
“Leadership means listening and lifting.”

Let's hear from Marcellino Roberts, People Excellence Manager

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