Novartis has agreed to help produce the COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech, as concerns about a global vaccine supply continue.
The Swiss drugmaker will utilize its state-of-the art aseptic manufacturing facilities in Stein, Switzerland.
According to Novartis, per the contract manufacturing agreement, Novartis will take bulk mRNA active ingredient from BioNTech and fill it into vials under aseptic conditions for shipment back to BioNTech for their distribution to healthcare system customers around the world.
An initial shipment of finished product is expected in the fall of 2021.
Novartis says its manufacturing team is also in advanced discussions with a number of companies to take on manufacturing activities such as mRNA production, therapeutic protein production as well as raw material production for COVID vaccines and therapeutics.
Read the press release
