Novartis to help manufacture Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine

Novartis will assist in the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine production effort, signing an initial contract manufacturing agreement, the company announced today. The deal will have Novartis use its aseptic manufacturing facilities at its Stein, Switzerland site.

Per the contract, Novartis plans to take bulk mRNA active ingredient from BioNTech and fill this into vials under aseptic conditions. These vials will then be shipped back to BioNTech for the company’s distribution to healthcare system customers around the globe.

Pending final agreement, Novartis plans to commence production during Q2, with initial shipment of finished product expected in Q3.

Novartis has also had separate conversations with other companies about taking on manufacturing activities, including mRNA production, therapeutic protein production as well as raw material production for Covid vaccines and therapeutics. The specifics will be disclosed once those discussions are concluded.