Moderna, Lonza Team Up To Produce New Drug Substance for COVID-19 Vaccine Doses

Moderna Inc MRNA is gearing up to halve the dose of its COVID-19 vaccine so that it can also be used to combat variants and inoculate children.
It has entered into a deal with Lonza Group LZAGF for a new drug substance production line in Geleen, Netherlands, which will have the capacity to make ingredients for up to 300 million doses annually at 50 micrograms per dose.
The new agreement with Lonza will increase drug substance production in Europe by the fourth quarter of 2021.
Currently, Moderna has been delivering an approved 100-microgram dose to date.
It said early booster shot data for a 50-microgram version showed it helped protect against emerging virus variants.
Combined with a previous deal with Spain's Rovi, Moderna's pact with Lonza brings 50-microgram production in Europe to up to 600 million doses annually, with the capacity due to come online in 2021.
Price Action: MRNA shares closed at $184.66 on Tuesday.