Canada Partners to Produce mRNA Vaccines

Massachusetts-based Moderna, Inc. announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government of Canada to build a state-of-the-art messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine manufacturing facility in Canada.

The goals of this MoU are to build the foundation to support Canada with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities and to provide access to Moderna’s vaccines in the development, such as SpikeVax, formerly known as COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna.

The collaboration aims to provide Canadians with access to a domestically manufactured portfolio of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and potential other vaccines, pending licensure.

The new facility is intended to also be activated on an urgent basis to support Canada with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities. The MOU includes access to Moderna’s mRNA development engine.

“We are excited to expand our presence and continue our long-term collaboration with Canada,” said Patricia Gauthier, Moderna’s Canadian General Manager. “With our industry-leading mRNA technology platform and rapid drug development capabilities, we look forward to being an active participant in Canada’s robust life sciences ecosystem.”

The MoU was announced on August 10, 2021, by the Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry of Canada, and Stéphane Bancel, Moderna’s Chief Executive Officer in Montreal, Canada.