Emergent and Novavx Sign Agreement for Experimental COVID-19 Vaccine

Emergent announced on March 10, 2020 that it is entering into an agreement with Novavax to utilize the company’s molecule-to-market contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services to develop a novel experimental vaccine candidate for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Through the agreement, Emergent will manufacture the vaccine candidate, which is formulated based on Novavax’s proprietary recombinant protein nanoparticle technology platform and its Matrix-M adjuvant to boost immune responses, according to an Emergent press release. Emergent anticipates the vaccine candidate will be ready for a Phase 1 clinical study within the next four months.

Emergent will use its Gaithersburg, MD and its two Baltimore, MD facilities as development services for the vaccine candidate, the press release said.

“We are pleased with our Novavax collaboration, which reflects Emergent’s commitment to advancing potential solutions to combat coronavirus disease,” said Robert G. Kramer Sr., president and CEO at Emergent, in the press release. “As we provide our CDMO services, backed by our established track record as a trusted partner to governments, industry, and non-government organizations, we leverage our long history in vaccines and therapeutics development and manufacturing, as well as our broad capabilities focused on medical countermeasures for emerging infectious diseases. The increasing threat of COVID-19 requires a comprehensive response, and we continue to evaluate various vaccine, therapeutic, and CDMO approaches to enable us to marshal resources to make a meaningful impact on this global public health emergency.”

“Emergent is proud to demonstrate its ability to rapidly deploy capabilities, capacities, and expertise as part of our molecule-to-market CDMO offering to support the development and commercialization of essential medicines,” added Syed T. Husain, senior vice-president and CDMO business unit head at Emergent, in the press release. “Always at the core of our response is our desire to fulfill our mission-to protect and enhance life.”

Source: Emergent