The launch event for Walvax’s 13-valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13, Weuphoria) was successfully held in New Cairo, Egypt in November, 2025. The high-level forum, titled "Contribution on National Vision for Vaccines Localization," was spearheaded by Walvax’s local partner in Egypt, Vaccines and Biotechnology City (VBC), a key local player in the biopharmaceutical landscape. The event brought together key national and international stakeholders, marking a significant step in protecting Egyptian children against Streptococcus pneumoniae and advancing Egypt's strategic goal of vaccine self-reliance.

Streptococcus pneumoniae infection remains a leading cause of mortality among children under five globally. In Egypt, the threat is particularly acute, as PCV has not yet been incorporated into the national immunization program (NIP). The bacterium is one of the top five most detected pathogens for pneumonia and a significant cause of pneumonia and otitis media in healthy Egyptian children.

The event was chaired by Dr. Mohamed Awad Tag El-Din, Advisor to the President on Health and Prevention Affairs, and featured interventions from high-level Egyptian officials including Dr. Amr Kandil, Vice Minister of Health and Population, and representatives from the Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) and the Unified Procurement Authority (UPA). The presence of Dr. Ni'ma Abid from the WHO Egypt country office and Dr. Abebe Genetu from Africa CDC (online) underscored strong international support for Egypt's vaccine localization agenda.

The agenda featured critical discussions on the disease and economic burden of pneumococcal diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, with presentations from international experts like Dr. Tao ZHANG from Fudan University, China and Dr. Mark Jit from NYU School of Global Public Health, U.S.

Surveillance data presented at the event underscored the urgent need for intervention. The annual incidence rate of Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD) in children under five is 18.2 cases per 100,000. Furthermore, the carriage rate among children under two is remarkably high, ranging from 29.3% to 56.5%. Prevalent serotypes include 6A/6B/6C, 19F, 1, 34, and 19A, with a coverage rate of at least 75% among these circulating strains in Egypt yielded by PCV13.

The introduction of Weuphoria provides a critical tool to address this public health challenge. It is expected to offer Egyptian children robust protection against the predominant serotypes, thereby helping to reduce the burden of pneumococcus-related disease and mortality.

The successful launch of Weuphoria in Cairo, within the framework of the national localization vision, represents a milestone for pediatric health in Egypt. Its use will generate vital local evidence and strengthen the partnership ecosystem necessary to support the eventual inclusion of PCV into Egypt's National Immunization Program, paving the way for broader protection for all children.

About Weuphoria

Weuphoria is the 2^nd PCV13 in the world, a groundbreaking advancement in pediatric immunization. In the 5 years since Weuphoria launch on Dec 31, 2019, over 26 million doses have been distributed worldwide, setting a benchmark for public health. Weuphoria has now been granted with Marketing Authorization in 10 countries and officially included in the National Immunization Program of Morocco and Indonesia.

About Walvax

Founded in 2001, Walvax is mainly engaged in research and development, manufacture and distribution of human vaccines. It is the first company in China and the second globally to independently develop and successfully launch a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine. This product has maintained a leading market share in China continuously since 2021.

About VBC

Vaccines and Biotechnology City (VBC) is a national public–private initiative dedicated to strengthening health security, achieving self-sufficiency, and localizing the production of human and veterinary vaccines in Egypt.