Moderna announced its plan to build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Quebec that will support a long-term strategic partnership with the government of Canada to enhance pandemic preparedness.

This milestone follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Moderna and the government of Canada in August 2021. Once the facility is certified by Health Canada, it is expected to provide onshore respiratory vaccine manufacturing capabilities and support future pandemic readiness. The partnership is expected to be finalized following approval of the final agreement by the government of Canada.

"The leadership and vision shown by the government of Canada in the early stages of the pandemic made Canada an ideal candidate for an onshore vaccine manufacturing facility," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "This partnership is designed to provide Canadians with access to Moderna's vaccines in future pandemics and health emergencies."

Once operational, the facility is expected to provide access to a domestically manufactured portfolio of mRNA vaccines against respiratory viruses, including Covid-19, seasonal influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other potential respiratory viruses, contingent on approval by Health Canada. In the event of a future pandemic, it is also expected that the facility could be activated on an urgent basis to support Canada with direct access to rapid pandemic response capabilities with the capacity to adapt and adjust manufacturing to address novel or emerging viruses.

"Moderna's planned R&D commitments will contribute to the growth of the life sciences ecosystem in Canada, providing a significant boost to the government's Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy," said Patricia Gauthier, President and General Manager of Moderna Canada. "This partnership will provide scientific expertise, capacity building, and economic development benefits that will expand Canada's capacity to play a key role in exploring the potential of mRNA technology."