Techno-economic evaluation of Islamic-compliant cell-based influenza vaccine production using AGE1.CR cell line in comparison to the current production using MDCK cell line.

Influenza vaccination is administered annually to prevent and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with highly mutable influenza viruses that can cause severe respiratory disease and unpredictable pandemics. In response to limitations of egg-based production, influenza vaccine manufacturing has increasingly shifted toward cell-based platforms. However, current cell-based influenza vaccines rely on materials like MDCK cells that being considered non-permissible from an Islamic perspective which potentially contributing to vaccine hesitancy among Muslim populations. This study evaluates the techno-economic feasibility of the Islamic-compliant cell-based influenza vaccine production process incorporating alternative permissible inputs including AGE1.CR cell line. Process modelling and economic analysis were performed using SuperPro Designer® to assess productivity and economic performance indicators. The results demonstrate that the proposed Islamic-compliant process achieves productivity levels comparable to the current cell-based systems and meets standard economic feasibility criteria. However, the estimated unit selling price is approximately three-fold higher than the current market price, reflecting higher production costs associated with the compliant process configuration. These findings indicate that the Islamic-compliant cell-based influenza vaccine production is technically feasible and economically viable under premium pricing conditions. Further experimental validation and pilot-scale studies are required to substantiate the simulation outcomes and to identify opportunities for cost reduction prior to large-scale implementation.