Global healthcare company GSK has reached a principle agreement with Novavax and the UK Government Vaccines Taskforce to support the manufacturing of up to 60 million doses of Novavax’ COVID-19 vaccine.
Under the agreement, GSK will provide manufacturing capacity at its Barnard Castle facility in the North East of England beginning as early as May 2021. A rapid technology transfer between the two companies is slated to begin immediately.
“GSK is delighted to support Novavax and the UK Vaccines Taskforce with this manufacturing arrangement for the UK, and our Barnard Castle facility is now undertaking the rapid preparation work required to manufacture up to 60m doses of this vaccine,” Roger Connor, president of GSK vaccines, said. “We have ensured that we can deliver these volumes without impacting supply of our other vital medicines and vaccines and without disruption to the other COVID-19 collaborations GSK is engaged in globally.”
Rick Crowley, executive vice president and chief operations officer of Novavax, said the partnership with GSK continues the expansion of Novavax’s global supply network.
“We thank the UK government’s Vaccine Taskforce for its instrumental role in ensuring the progress of our COVID-19 vaccine, from both a clinical and now manufacturing perspective, as well as GSK for making their facilities available to help fight the pandemic,” he said.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the effort shows the strength of UK manufacturing and further boosts vaccine rollout.
“The Vaccines Taskforce has worked hand in glove with business to successfully deliver vaccines to the whole of the UK, and this agreement will continue to support our approach,” he said. “We remain on track to offer a first jab to all over 50s by 15 April and all adults by the end of July.”