‘…We are delighted to bring mRNA manufacturing to Canada. We believe that this innovative business model will have global impact and implications.’
Canada’s Government has established a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Moderna to build a ‘state-of-the-art’ mRNA vaccine production facility in the country.
In a statement, the Government said that the MoU outlines how Moderna plans to establish a Canadian mRNA facility and work in Canada’s life sciences sector by creating jobs and collaborating on domestic research and development. ‘The partnership will ensure that the country is better prepared for future pandemics, while creating skilled jobs,’ the statement added.
While Canada has a strong biomanufacturing and life sciences sector, a decades-long decline left the country without the large-scale and flexible biomanufacturing capacity needed to quickly produce a covid-19 vaccine. The Government has since worked to rebuild the country’s biomanufacturing sector by focusing on both quick strategic actions and a long-term vision. Since the start of the pandemic the Government has invested CAN$1.2 billion to rebuild the country’s therapeutics and biomanufacturing capacity.
During the middle of 2021, Canada’s Government set out its Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. The Strategy consists of five pillars with the objectives of: growing a strong competitive life sciences sector and ensuring preparedness for pandemics and other health emergencies. The Government said that Moderna’s plans to establish an mRNA vaccine production facility in Canada align with the objectives of the Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy. In addition, Canada’s 2021 budget provides CAN$2.2 billion over seven years toward growing a domestic life sciences sector.
Commenting Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna said: ‘As Moderna expands internationally, we are delighted to bring mRNA manufacturing to Canada. We believe that this innovative business model will have global impact and implications.’ Moderna has said that it is in discussion with other Governments about potential collaborations built on a similar model.
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