Moderna has announced that it will decrease production of the mRNA drug substance for its COVID-19 vaccine at Lonza’s facility in Switzerland this quarter. This decision is part of Moderna’s strategy to align manufacturing with the anticipated decrease in demand for the vaccine post-pandemic.
Last week, the American company had already shared its plans to downsize vaccine production and was in discussions with its global partners responsible for filling vials and syringes. Moderna intends to redirect the demand currently supported by Lonza to its internal manufacturing site in Norwood, Massachusetts by 2024-25.
This decrease in production aligns with the global shift towards a lower demand for COVID-19 vaccines as vaccination rates increase and the pandemic situation hopefully improves. Moderna’s decision reflects a proactive approach in managing resources and adapting to changing circumstances.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine has been a crucial tool in combating the spread of the virus and has proven to be highly effective in preventing symptoms in adults aged 60 and older. However, as the vaccination drive progresses, it is expected that the demand for vaccines will gradually decline. By adjusting production capacity accordingly, Moderna aims to optimize resources and meet future needs efficiently.
This strategic move also underscores the importance of a flexible manufacturing approach in the pharmaceutical industry, allowing companies to adapt to changing market demands quickly. Moderna is demonstrating its ability to be agile and responsive in managing its vaccine production.
Sources:
– Fox News: https://www.foxnews.com/health/moderna-reduce-production-covid-19-vaccine-lonza-switzerland
– Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/moderna-says-will-cut-covid-19-vaccine-production-lonza-this-quarter-2021-09-21/
