Commercial-stage biotech outfit
Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA, Forum) is going to build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Quebec that will support a long-term strategic partnership with the Government of Canada to enhance pandemic preparedness.
Moderna’s Chief Executive Officer, Stéphane Bancel
spoke on this news in a media statement and called Canada an ideal candidate for an onshore vaccine manufacturing facility.
“This partnership is designed to provide Canadians with access to Moderna's vaccines in future pandemics and health emergencies.”
Once operational, the facility is expected to provide access to a domestically manufactured portfolio of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other potential respiratory viruses, contingent on approval by Health Canada. In the event of a future pandemic, it is also expected that the facility could be activated on an urgent basis to support Canada with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities with the capacity to adapt and adjust manufacturing to address novel or emerging viruses.