María Elena Bottazzi

Co-developed patent-free COVID vaccine for global access

Honduran microbiologist Dr. María Elena Bottazzi led the team that created CORBEVAX, the world's first open-source COVID-19 vaccine at Texas Children's Hospital. Unlike commercial vaccines, this yeast-based formula uses traditional technology waived of patent restrictions, enabling production in developing nations at $1.50 per dose.

Her 20-year partnership with Dr. Peter Hotez focused on neglected tropical diseases laid groundwork for this breakthrough. The team shared vaccine blueprints with manufacturers in India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh, resulting in 100+ million doses administered globally by 2022.

Bottazzi's Global Health Innovation Platform continues developing affordable vaccines for Chagas disease and hookworm. As Associate Dean at Baylor's National School of Tropical Medicine, she advocates for equitable vaccine distribution models, challenging pharmaceutical monopolies through her 'vaccines for peace' initiative.