RAME-HART Technology Helps Boost Vaccine Production in Emerging Markets

Emerging nations are particularly susceptible to seasonal and pandemic influenza outbreaks, but local vaccine manufacturers are challenged by infrastructure costs, competitive prices, and the lack of regulatory and technical expertise. RAME-HART, a global supplier of advanced, automated, egg inoculating and harvesting technologies, offers a semi-automatic line of technologies to meet regional needs, the company said in a press release.

“In developing regions with a limited infrastructure capacity, developers need optimized equipment and technologies capable of efficiently and cost-effectively producing vaccines,” said Ken Christiansen, president of RAME-HART, in the press release.  “Building up regional production in emerging nations is a central part of improving the global community’s access to vaccines during influenza outbreaks.”

RAME-HART’s series of single-station, semi-automatic machines covers critical production steps, including inoculation, candling, de-capping, harvesting, and fluid inspection. For manufacturers in developing markets working with limited infrastructure, the semi-automatic line fits into smaller facility footprints that rely on a flexible layout. Equipment can also be incorporated into larger operations to scale up production. Constructed with the same components found in RAME-HART’s fully automated lines, the semi-automatic machines deliver more vaccines through higher yields, accelerated egg handling, and reduced bio-burden.

The RAME-HART semi-automatic inoculator handles approximately 13,745 eggs per hour while the harvester and de-capper both process 12,600 eggs per hour. The company’s candling station employs patented inspection systems that identify and isolate egg irregularities, preventing harvest contamination. A sanitation station submerges inoculation needles into sanitation fluid and is drawn up between the punch and needle to ensure proper sterilization. These machines can also be modified to work with different size egg trays and customized requirements and can fulfill the varying production needs for human and veterinary influenza manufacturers.