State-of-the-art mRNA vaccine facility to be built with leading COVID-19 developer, Moderna Inc.
By Dami Igbinyemi
In efforts to protect Canadians now and in the future against any epidemic or pandemic, the Government of Canada is taking action to strengthen Canada’s biomanufacturing and life science sector. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, over $1.2 billion has been invested in Canada’s vaccine, therapeutics and biomanufacturing capacity.
Today, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, announced a big milestone in Canada’s plan to rebuild the biomanufacturing and life sciences sector. The Government of Canada has created a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the leading COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna, Inc. to build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine production facility in Canada.
Canada has a rather impressive history in biomanufacturing and life science but because of the decade-long decrease in the sector, Canada didn’t have the means to produce a COVID-19 vaccine when the pandemic first hit. Growing Canada’s life sciences and biomanufacturing sector have become a priority recently because it creates good middle-class jobs and prepares us for any more pandemics in the future.
“COVID-19 vaccines have saved Canadian lives and helped us all to start getting back to normal. Moderna’s plans to establish a state-of-the-art vaccine facility here in Canada is a key move in our plan to grow a strong, competitive domestic life sciences sector with cutting-edge biomanufacturing capabilities. This will make sure Canada is prepared for future pandemics and other health emergencies, strengthen our economy and create good jobs for Canadians.”
–The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry
Canada already has a strong foundation in mRNA research, development, and commercialization. Canada has always been at the forefront of development because the nation contributed to the finding and use of mRNA technology. This announcement allows us to stay in the game while forming partnerships with Moderna.
The MOU outlines Moderna’s plans to build a Canadian mRNA vaccine facility, work with Canada to create jobs and collaborate on domestic research and development. This plan aligns perfectly with Canada’s new biomanufacturing and life science strategy of collaborating, laying down the foundation, growing the business, building up and out and enabling innovation. Budget 2021 will be providing $2.2 billion of funding over seven years to grow the life science sector.
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