Biological E signs pact to manufacture J&J arm's covid-19 vaccine

Biological E. Limited has entered into an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, for the manufacturing of drug substance and finished product of the company’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate. Currently, Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine candidate is in Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials.

“We are very pleased indeed to collaborate with an organisation like Johnson & Johnson. Given the magnitude of the COVID-19 pandemic, our ability to mount an effective response will be predicated on the ability to supply the vaccine globally and in significant quantities. This is best achieved through collaboration," Biological E managing director, Ms Mahima Datla said.

The vaccine candidate involves a non-replicating viral vector, which is expected to be given in two doses with a gap of two months.

“We look forward to deploying our manufacturing infrastructure to support Johnson & Johnson’s commitment to global access for its COVID-19 vaccine," said Mr Narender Dev Mantena, Director of BioE Holdings Inc and head of the company’s novel vaccine initiative.

Johnson & Johnson is assessing one- and two-dose regimens for its vaccine candidate and plans to meet its goal to supply more than one billion doses globally through the course of 2021 after the approval.

Biological E has also announced a licensing agreement for further development of a safe, effective, and affordable recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine candidate which is currently being developed at US-based Baylor College of Medicine.

It will use its experience for the further development and commercialization of the vaccine candidate, which currently is produced using a proven yeast-based expression technology, the company said.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.