Moderna has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the government of Canada to start domestic production of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines through a new manufacturing facility in Canada.
The MoU will provide Canadians with direct access to a domestically manufactured portfolio of Moderna’s mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses, currently under development.
Scope of the mRNA vaccines include Covid-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and potential other vaccines, pending licensure.
Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said: “I would like to thank the Government of Canada for the partnership they have built with us and for their faith in our data, science and early confidence in our mRNA platform in addressing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We recently announced data from the final analysis of the Phase 3 COVE study demonstrating that vaccination with the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine showed 93% efficacy, with this efficacy remaining durable six months after administration of the second dose.
“As a company, we are committed to global public health. While we are still responding to this pandemic, we also want to ensure we and society learn from it. As Moderna expands internationally, we are delighted to bring mRNA manufacturing to Canada. We believe that this innovative business model will have global impact and implications.”
Moderna said that it will invest in the construction of an advanced manufacturing facility with the collaboration of the Canadian government.
Also, it will work together with governments, health care professionals and other key stakeholders to meet the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and future pathogens.
The new facility is expected to be commissioned on an urgent basis to support Canada with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities.
Furthermore, the company is currently in talks with governments in other countries, regarding potential collaborations built on a similar model.
Moderna Canadian general manager Patricia Gauthier said: “We are excited to expand our presence and continue our long-term collaboration with Canada.
“With our industry-leading mRNA technology platform and rapid drug development capabilities, we look forward to being an active participant in Canada’s robust life sciences ecosystem.”
Earlier this month, Moderna reached a licence agreement with Autolus Therapeutics for the developing mRNA therapeutics for immuno-oncology targets, using the latter’s binders.
