Boehringer joins AgResults to deliver next-generation FMD vaccines for Eastern Africa

EAST AFRICA – Boehringer Ingelheim has joined the AgResults Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Vaccine Challenge Project after registering a regionally tailored quadrivalent FMD vaccine in Ethiopia, Uganda and Rwanda, marking a significant milestone in efforts to improve livestock disease control across Eastern Africa.

The company officially became a competitor in April 2026 after meeting the project’s Target Product Profile (TPP) requirements and receiving approval from the initiative’s judging panel.

Managed by GALVmed, the AgResults FMD Vaccine Challenge Project was launched in February 2020 as an eight-year, US$17.34 million pay-for-results competition designed to support the development and adoption of high-quality FMD vaccines suited to the disease strains and production systems found in Eastern Africa.

Foot and Mouth Disease remains one of the most economically damaging livestock diseases in the region, affecting cattle productivity, limiting trade opportunities and reducing incomes for livestock-dependent households.

The project is being implemented in two phases. 

The first focuses on vaccine development, with manufacturers working to create regionally relevant quadrivalent vaccines that meet predefined performance standards. 

The second phase, which began in October 2024, uses a vaccine distribution cost-share mechanism to encourage uptake by reducing vaccine costs for public- and private-sector buyers.

By qualifying for the competition, Boehringer Ingelheim becomes eligible to participate in the Vaccine Distribution Cost-Share Phase, which aims to increase access to more effective vaccines and strengthen disease control efforts across the region.

“We welcome the opportunity to participate in the AgResults FMD Vaccine Challenge,” said Tamer Saddec, Regional VPH Commercial Manager at Boehringer Ingelheim.

“Initiatives like this play an important role in supporting access to effective FMD vaccines for both public and private sector stakeholders in the region.”

GALVmed said the company’s entry into the programme is expected to further accelerate the availability and adoption of quality-assured FMD vaccines among livestock producers.

“Boehringer Ingelheim’s participation in the competition will further drive adoption of high-quality FMD vaccines, in turn benefiting smallholder farmers and improving livestock health in the region,” said Nina Henning, Project Manager Lead at GALVmed.

“Their expertise and dedication are crucial as we work towards a vaccine that can transform the livestock industry in Eastern Africa.”

The initiative is backed by AgResults, a global programme that uses incentive-based approaches to encourage private-sector innovation in agriculture. 

Organisers say improving access to effective FMD vaccines could significantly reduce disease outbreaks, enhance livestock productivity and strengthen food security across the region.

“We are excited to see the progress being made by our competitors,” said Parasto Hamidi, AgResults Secretariat Team Lead.

“The collaboration and innovation demonstrated in this project are paving the way for sustainable solutions to FMD.”

Stakeholders believe wider access to effective vaccines could help reduce livestock losses, improve market access and support economic growth in countries where livestock production plays a critical role in rural livelihoods and national economies.

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