GSK to support the manufacturing of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine
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Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has reached an agreement in principle with Novavax and the UK Government Vaccine Taskforce to support the manufacturing of up to 60mn doses of the Novavax vaccine candidate.
“I’m delighted by GSK’s investment, which shows the strength of UK manufacturing, and will further boost our vaccine rollout. The Vaccines Taskforce has worked hand in glove with business to successfully deliver vaccines to the whole of the UK, and this agreement will continue to support our approach. We remain on track to offer a first jab to all over 50s by 15 April, and all adults by the end of July, and I want to once again encourage everyone to come forward for a vaccine when you’re called,” said Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
GSK’s role in the manufacturing process of the COVID-19 vaccine candidate
As part of the agreement in principle GSK will provide ‘fill and finish’ manufacturing capacity from its Barnard Castle Facility beginning in May 2021. Rapid technology transfer between the two companies will begin immediately.
Under an advanced purchase agreement, the UK government has secured 60mn doses of the vaccine from Novavax.
“GSK is delighted to support Novavax and the UK Vaccines Taskforce with this manufacturing arrangement for the UK and our Barnard Castle facility is now undertaking the rapid preparation work required to manufacture up to 60m doses of this vaccine. We have ensured that we can deliver these volumes without impacting supply of our other vital medicines and vaccines, and without disruption to the other COVID-19 collaborations GSK is engaged in globally,” commented Roger Connor, President, GSK vaccines.
GSK’s fill and finish services
Fill and finish is the completion stage of vaccine manufacturing, preparing vials of the final vaccine, packaging them for distribution and use. GSK’s facility at Barnard Castle, is a specialised facility in the company’s global manufacturing network which supports production of GSK pharmaceuticals and vaccine products.
“This partnership with GSK continues the expansion of our global supply network, which we expect to increase overall production capacity and, if approved by regulatory agencies, support access to a potentially important new vaccine against COVID-19. We thank the UK government’s Vaccine Taskforce for its instrumental role in ensuring the progress of our COVID-19 vaccine, from both a clinical and now manufacturing perspective, as well as GSK for making their facilities available to help fight the pandemic,” said Rick Crowley, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Novavax.
For more information on manufacturing topics - please take a look at the latest edition of Manufacturing Global.
