Moderna CEO "Will Transfer Vaccine Technology to Samsung"... Will a Vaccine Factory Be Established in Korea?

On the morning of the 22nd (local time), at a hotel in Washington, during the 'Korea-US Vaccine Company Partnership Event' attended by President Moon Jae-in, an MOU for vaccine contract manufacturing was being signed. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Soyoung] The American pharmaceutical company Moderna is reported to be transferring vaccine production technology for contract manufacturing in South Korea, and is also considering establishing a vaccine factory in Korea.

Stefan Bancel, CEO of Moderna, stated in an interview with SBS '8 News' on the 23rd, "Moderna will transfer the technology to Samsung."

He said, "Samsung Biologics will fill the vaccine into vials. This process is currently a major bottleneck," adding, "We are very pleased to partner with the world's best company."

CEO Bancel also made remarks requesting cooperation from Korea. He said, "The government can play a significant role in facilitating this process," and added, "We are confident that President Moon Jae-in and the relevant departments will handle this."

Interview with St?phane Bancel, CEO of Moderna. Photo by SBS '8 News' capture

He also indicated the possibility of establishing a vaccine factory in Korea, saying, "We are potentially considering building a Moderna vaccine production plant in Korea."

However, CEO Bancel did not specify the exact technology to be transferred, and explained that it has not yet been decided how much of the vaccines produced by Samsung Biologics will be supplied to Korea.

He added, "The first batch of Moderna vaccines produced in Europe is scheduled to be sent to Korea early this week, and within a few months, Korea will receive 40 million doses under the contract."

Meanwhile, CEO Bancel predicted, "The coronavirus will not leave the earth. Like the flu shot, additional COVID-19 vaccinations may be required annually."

Previously, the government announced that in addition to the contract for COVID-19 vaccine contract manufacturing between the American pharmaceutical company Moderna and Samsung Biologics, it also has the intention to establish domestic mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccine production facilities.

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