As Moderna Grapples With Supply Shortage, FDA Gives Nod To Additional Lots of COVID-19 Booster

The FDA authorized an additional five batches of Moderna Inc's MRNA updated Covid booster shots made at Catalent Inc's CTLT Indiana facility after it deemed them safe for use.
Last week, the agency allowed the use of ten batches of Moderna's updated booster shots made at the Bloomington facility, owned by a unit of Catalent, which is currently not a part of emergency use authorization.
Reuters reported that the FDA had earlier said Moderna had requested authorization for additional batches in light of the current supply issues.
It did not provide details on the number of doses cleared in both instances.
Pharmacy chains like CVS Health Corp CVS and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc WBA are working with the U.S. government to acquire more Moderna doses.
The chains also said they have not witnessed any supply issues for the Pfizer Inc PFE and BioNTech SE BNTX booster shot.
Moderna asked the FDA to authorize the use of its updated booster shot in children ages 6 to 17 and plans to complete a request for the use of the booster in children six months through 5 years later this year.
Though amid shortage, vaccine sites have either canceled or stopped scheduling new appointments for people seeking a Moderna booster shot.
Price Action: MRNA shares are up 1.51% at $121.50 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.