MODERNA, INC. By Michael Dabaie
Biotechnology company Moderna Inc. said it plans to build a mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Quebec that will support a long-term strategic partnership with the Canadian government to enhance pandemic preparedness.
Once the facility is certified by Health Canada, the company said it expects it to provide onshore respiratory vaccine manufacturing capabilities and support future pandemic readiness. The company said it sees the facility producing up to 100 million mRNA respiratory vaccine doses annually.
The plans follow a memorandum of understanding between Moderna and the Canadian government in August 2021.
Moderna expects the partnership to be finalized following approval of the final agreement.
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 and other potential respiratory viruses, Moderna said. In the event of a future pandemic, Moderna said it expects that the facility could be activated on an urgent basis to support Canada with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities.
Moderna said it expects construction to start this year, with the facility expected to become operational by the end of 2024.
The company's hares were up 2.6% to $146.32 in morning trading.
On Thursday, Moderna said it submitted for emergency use authorization from U.S. health regulators for its Covid-19 vaccine in children 6 months to under 2 years and 2 years to under 6.
Write to Michael Dabaie at michael.dabaie@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
04-29-22 1051ET
