The mRNA technology build by Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ:MRNA) is a leading platform, which accelerates drug discovery and early development. Since the birth of the company in 2010, this has been used for the rapid expansion of Moderna’s pipeline, which includes mRNA-based vaccines and therapies. With numerous clinical trials underway, the company has continued to hold onto its promise to patients.
Among the many projects that Moderna has is selling 40 million doses of its coronavirus vaccine to Japan. The biotech has disclosed that it is in advanced discussions with Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to have mRNA-1273 approved in the country. There is a proposal that once all the regulatory approvals are put into place, Takeda Pharmaceutical would take up the distribution of the vaccine.
Investors Will Want To Pay Close Attention to the Price per Dose
Moderna is not only working with Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare but also the European Commission. To the former, the supply request is of 40 million doses but to the latter, it is 80 million doses. Earlier on the U.S. government signed a supply deal with the company of 100 million doses of the vaccine and an additional 400 million doses.
All these and other purchase and supply agreements come at a time when the world is trying to come to terms with the rapid spread of the coronavirus. Meanwhile, investors are so interested in the result from these contracts and particularly the final price per dose.
Currently, the US government is offering $15.25 per dose. This is much cheaper compared to the $19.50-per-dose from the Pfizer and BioNTech deal for BNT162.
Takeda Pharmaceutical Is a Big Force in Its Home Market
The Japan-based company has cemented its status of successful performance and growth in its home market. The distribution agreement with Moderna would then enlarge Takeda’s footprints in Japan. It will also be a key component of providing a vaccine to the Japanese population of around 126 million people.
In other news, Takeda also has another manufacturing and commercializing agreement with Novavax for NVX-CoV2373. However, it remains unclear whether or not this vaccine will pass through clinical development.
