HHS expands COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capacity

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) officials said the agency has expanded its COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing capacity via the Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (CIADM).

The Texas A&M University System venue’s $265 million task order falls under an existing agreement with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which is part of the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response.

The government reserved the CIADM’s capacity through December 2021 government partners developing vaccines, such as Novavax, under Operation Warp Speed (OWS), officials said.

“Operation Warp Speed is one of the largest vaccine manufacturing efforts in recent history,” HHS Secretary Alex Azar said. “To ensure we have the needed capacity, we are engaging domestic centers for advanced manufacturing that HHS has helped build in recent years. Securing more manufacturing capacity here in America will help get a vaccine to Americans without a day wasted and prepare our nation for future emergencies.”

OWS is made up of partnership components involving HHS and the Department of Defense engaging private firms and other federal agencies.

The entities coordinate among existing HHS-wide efforts to accelerate the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.