Samsung Biologics, Samsung Group’s biotechnology unit, revealed that it had formed a partnership with Moderna Inc., a biotech company focused on mRNA technology development. Under the agreement, Samsung Biologics would offer its fully integrated manufacturing technologies and services to produce Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine, mRNA-1273.
According to the South Korean drug manufacturer, the large-scale manufacturing deal would mainly involve the fill-finish process. Fill-finish is the procedure wherein manufacturers fill vials with vaccines, complete the packaging stage, and prepare the products for distribution.
After finalizing the deal, the two companies would immediately begin the technology transfer at Samsung Biologics’ complex in Incheon. Furthermore, the company would utilize its cutting-edge production line to deliver aseptic fill-finish, labeling, and packaging services. Following the production of hundreds of millions of mRNA-1273 doses, Samsung Biologics would aid the supplies’ distribution to markets outside the US.
Commitment to Fighting the Pandemic
“This vaccine is paramount to people around the world in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said John Rim, CEO of Samsung Biologics. “We truly appreciate our client, Moderna, for entrusting and choosing to partner with Samsung Biologics for the fill and finish of this important vaccine.”
Rim also added that the company has already laid down tight schedules and action plans for the mRNA-1273 production. Due to the world population’s high vaccine urgency levels, Samsung Biologics aims to distribute the supplies during 2021’s second half commercially.
Similarly, Moderna’s Chief Technical Operations and Quality Officer, Juan Andres, shared that Samsung Biologics considerably boosts its global production capacity. Andres also said that Moderna and its manufacturing partners’ commitment to fighting the pandemic remains solid.
MFDS Gives the Go-Ahead
Meanwhile, in South Korea, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) finally approved the Moderna vaccine usage. This move welcomed the country’s fourth COVID-19 vaccine. Previously, MFDS gave the green light to vaccines from AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer. The South Korean panel conducted trials and evaluated the Moderna vaccine efficacy on over 28,000 participants.
Moreover, the data indicated that the mRNA-1237 94.1% efficacy rate in protecting people against the virus. In addition to the Samsung Biologics partnership, the current administration collaborated with Moderna, bringing in vaccines for 20 million individuals. After confirming the agreement with Moderna, Samsung Biologics’ shares increased by up to 5.2%.
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