In its operations for the past nine years, Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:MRNA) has carved a niche for itself in developing novel platforms for manufacturing a new class of mRNA-based vaccines. The company has now joined other participants in the race to develop a vaccine against the coronavirus. Its candidate, mRNA-1273, is in the latest human trial stage, which enrolled close to 30,000 participants.
Reports from the latest data are that the experimental COVID-19 vaccine can safely prevent infection. The company said it has induced immune responses in older adults of ages 56 and 70. The responses were similar to those of 18 to 55-years-old.
However, health officials have raised concern over its suitability in older people, given that their immune systems are lower, hence not able to respond to vaccines.
Moderna’s Supply Pact with the European Union
The coronavirus has claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people across the world. The pandemic has the hardest hit native American, Latino, and the Black Natives. Unfortunately, the same groups of people are often underrepresented in clinical trials.
As conversations aimed at fast-tracking COVID-19 vaccines’ development intensifies, Moderna Inc says it has settled on a supply pact with the European Union. The potential agreement will the company supply 80 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate. It will also offer member states an opportunity to buy up to 160 million doses.
Collaborations with Manufacturing Partners outside the United States
Having been recognized and the potential in its candidate, Moderna, through its CEO Stéphane Bancel said, “We appreciate the European Commission’s collaboration in helping to ensure that Europeans will have access to a safe and effective vaccine…’’
Earlier on, the company signed a supply agreement with the United States of 100 million doses. This will cost around $1.5 billion. Talking of collaborations, Moderna is also pursuing other collaborators outside the US, including Lonza and Rove in Switzerland and Spain, respectively. All this and other strategic partners have played a significant role in bringing forth the company’s success. It has also been receiving funding under the Operation Warp Speed program by the US government.
