Novartis signs deal with Pfizer-BioNTech to support vaccine production

Novartis signed an agreement with Pfizer-BioNTech to leverage its manufacturing capacity and capabilities to support the production of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

Through this agreement, Novartis will use its aseptic manufacturing facilities at its site in Stein, Switzerland. Through this manufacturing agreement, Novartis plans to take bulk mRNA active ingredient from BioNTech and fill this into vials under aseptic conditions for shipment back to BioNTech for their distribution to healthcare system customers worldwide.

Novartis plans to commence production in the second quarter of 2021, with an initial shipment of the finished product is expected in the third quarter.

Further, the Novartis manufacturing team is in advanced discussions with several other companies to take on manufacturing activities such as mRNA production, therapeutic protein production as well as raw material production for Covid vaccines and therapeutics.

“Novartis has been mobilizing on multiple fronts to support the global pandemic response,” Steffen Lang, head of Novartis Technical Operations, said. “As a company reimagining medicine with advanced therapy platforms, we are committed to leverage our manufacturing capabilities to help support the supply of COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics around the world. We expect this to be the first of a number of such agreements.”

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine has been authorized for use in about 50 countries, including Switzerland and the European Union member states, where it has been granted Conditional Marketing Authorization. It has received authorizations for emergency use in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Hong Kong.