Sherlock Biosciences Raises $80 Million for Testing Technology

Moderna has announced its global public health strategy consisting of four new initiatives aimed at advancing mRNA vaccines for the prevention of infectious diseases. First, the company is committing to advancing into clinical studies a portfolio of 15 vaccine programs targeting emerging or neglected infectious diseases by 2025, advancing vaccines that address current diseases of significant impact to low- and middle-income countries, and those that prepare for “Disease X.” Moderna will prioritize development efforts against pathogens identified as persistent global health threats, including HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, neglected tropical diseases and the priority pathogens of the WHO and the CEPI.

Second, to further expand the potential impact of mRNA vaccines, Moderna will launch the new mRNA Access program which will open Moderna’s preclinical manufacturing capabilities and R&D expertise to global partners. Through the program, researchers at partnering institutions are invited to take advantage of Moderna’s mRNA platform to develop mRNA medicines for existing neglected diseases.

 Third, to further underscore Moderna’s commitment to low- and middle-income countries, and as part of the company’s continued support for achieving global health equity, Moderna is updating its patent pledge to never enforce its patents for COVID-19 vaccines against manufacturers in or for the 92 low- and middle-income countries in the Gavi COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC), provided that the manufactured vaccines are solely for use in the AMC 92 countries.

Lastly, with the assistance of the U.S. government, Moderna has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Kenya to establish Kenya as the location for its mRNA manufacturing facility. Moderna is building this state-of-the-art mRNA facility in Africa with the goal of producing up to 500 million doses of vaccines each year and anticipates investing up to $500 million in the endeavor. The new facility is expected to include drug substance manufacturing with the opportunity for fill/finish and packaging capabilities at the site. (Source: Moderna Website, 07 March, 2011)