"Full Support for Global Vaccine Hub"… Samsung Biologics Signs Contract for Moderna Vaccine Contract Manufacturing

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Samsung Biologics signed a contract for vaccine contract manufacturing with Moderna at a vaccine company cooperation event held on the 22nd (local time) in Washington DC, USA. President Moon Jae-in expressed his intention to "fully support becoming a global vaccine hub."

In his opening remarks at the event, President Moon stated, "If we strengthen mutual cooperation based on the technological capabilities of American companies, we can advance the timeline for overcoming the current global COVID-19 pandemic crisis."

He continued, "Going forward, Korea will fully support becoming a 'global vaccine hub' that encompasses not only contract manufacturing of vaccines but also securing vaccine development capabilities and attracting overseas vaccine and raw material companies to Korea," urging active interest and participation from global vaccine companies.

President Moon emphasized, "Now, the United States and Korea have secured production bases that can effectively respond to global vaccine demand," adding, "Furthermore, we can respond more quickly to vaccine demands needed by allied and developing countries." He evaluated this as "an opportunity to further solidify the role of the United States as the world's vaccine arsenal and global vaccine leader."

Following President Moon’s opening remarks, contract manufacturing agreements and memorandums of understanding (MOUs) for cooperation in research, development, and production were signed between companies and between companies and government agencies attending the event.

Samsung Biologics signed a contract for contract manufacturing of Moderna vaccines on this day. Going forward, Samsung Biologics will fill and produce finished Moderna vaccines domestically using bulk vaccine materials produced overseas.

The Blue House stated, "This contract will also contribute to the stable and rapid domestic supply of Moderna vaccines," adding, "It will be an opportunity for Korea to emerge as a global vaccine production hub."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Additionally, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Moderna signed an MOU for cooperation on Moderna’s investment and production in Korea, while the Korea National Institute of Health and Moderna signed an MOU to strengthen research cooperation on infectious diseases.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare, SK Bioscience, and Novavax also signed an MOU on vaccine development and production, including COVID-19 vaccines. Going forward, Novavax and SK Bioscience will cooperate on the development of next-generation vaccines such as COVID-19 variant vaccines and influenza combination vaccines, as well as production utilizing SK Bioscience’s facilities.

The event was attended by the U.S. Secretary of Health, the Korean Ministers of Health and Welfare and Trade, Industry and Energy, CEOs of SK and SK Bioscience, the CEO of Samsung Biologics, the CEO of Novavax, and the CEO of Moderna.

President Moon said, "New cooperation like today’s will be an opportunity to advance bilateral relations to a higher level," adding, "we will work together to protect the lives and promote the health of all humanity worldwide, and the Korean government will spare no support."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.