A new deal reached between Baxter BioPharma Solutions and Moderna, Inc. this week will see Baxter handle fill/finish services for Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, ultimately providing between 60-90 million doses this year.
Baxter’s Indiana facility will handle the manufacturing and supply packaging, given its familiarity with injectable pharmaceuticals.
“We have seen a remarkable demonstration of scientific and health care expertise in the effort to develop vaccines for COVID-19,” Marie Keeley, vice president of Baxter BioPharma Solutions, said. “Baxter is honored to provide our deep expertise in vaccine manufacturing to help partners like Moderna bolster the supply of their vaccine.”
Over its approximately 20 year history, the Indiana facility has been equipped to create injectable delivery systems and has experience with both clinical and commercial vaccine manufacturing, including seasonal vaccines. It also provides services such as clinical development, formulation, packaging, and commercial launch options.
“We welcome the opportunity to work with Baxter BioPharma Solutions on fill/finish manufacturing for the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S.,” Juan Andres, Moderna’s Chief Technical Operations and Quality Officer, said. “This additional production will help us continue to scale up our manufacturing capacity in the United States.”
Negotiating the deal on behalf of Baxter BioPharma Solutions was its parent company, Baxter International Inc.