Egypt is set to explore the use of needle-free injections for polio immunisation, following a new agreement between US-based medical technology firm PharmaJet, local manufacturer EVA Pharma, and the Egyptian Unified Procurement Authority (UPA).
The memorandum of understanding (MoU), signed during the African Health ExCon in Cairo, aims to incorporate PharmaJet’s Tropis® needle-free injection system into Egypt’s routine immunisation programme. If successful, it could offer a safer, more cost-effective, and less painful alternative to traditional needle-based vaccines for children across the country.
The initiative reflects Egypt’s ambition to modernise its public health infrastructure and lead regional efforts in pandemic preparedness and immunisation innovation.
PharmaJet’s Tropis device delivers vaccines intradermally — just beneath the surface of the skin — without the use of needles. The technology has already been deployed in several global campaigns, particularly for delivering inactivated polio vaccines (IPV).
According to recent studies, Tropis offers several benefits:
- A 38% reduction in total immunisation costs over six years
- Reduced vaccine hesitancy due to needle-free delivery
- More than 50% fewer adverse events compared to traditional intradermal injections
- Greater than 94% acceptability among healthcare workers and caregivers
The agreement also outlines plans for technology transfer, local pharmaceutical manufacturing, and co-development of new products. Officials say this could help localise medical technology production, reduce reliance on imports, and position Egypt as a regional hub for needle-free vaccine manufacturing.
“This collaboration can transform immunisation by making it safer, more accessible, and less painful for children and caregivers,” said Nicolas Boege, Director of Global Commercial & Corporate Development at EVA Pharma. “By introducing this technology and localising its production, we are committed to strengthening public health systems across Egypt and the region.”
The UPA, which oversees medical procurement for Egypt’s health system, believes this could be a game-changer in delivering childhood vaccines as part of Egypt’s Universal Health Insurance project. It also aligns with the 1000 Golden Days presidential initiative, which prioritises early childhood health and nutrition.
Paul LaBarre, Vice President of Business Development at PharmaJet, said the partnership marks a “win-win” for all parties involved.
“The children of Egypt stand to gain from reduced pain and faster administration. The UPA benefits through cost savings and improved access. And we are excited to bring PharmaJet’s needle-free technology to this important regional market.”
If the pilot proves successful, Egypt could become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to widely adopt needle-free polio vaccination — potentially reshaping immunisation strategies across the region.
Officials say implementation timelines and pilot details will be finalised over the coming months, with focus groups and regulatory evaluations to follow.
