CHARLOTTETOWN, Prince Edward Island (CU)_The COVID-19 pandemic, which has ravaged the lives of millions of people across the globe, has underscored the significance of mRNA vaccines, in protecting against diseases like Coronavirus without risking the potentially serious consequences of getting sick. A Charlottetown-based pharmaceutical CDMO recently announced plans to set up a state-of-the-art facility specialised in the production of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, which will be one of the first of its kind in Canada.
BIOVECTRA a global biotech and pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), with five accredited facilities in Atlantic Canada. Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, and the Premier of Prince Edward Island, Dennis King, joined the company’s chief executive Oliver Technow at the company’s headquarters in Charlottetown on Thursday (18 Nov), as he announced plans for the $79.6 million project, which will result from a private-public investment. According to a statement released by the firm, the federal and provincial governments of Canada will contribute $39.8 million and $10 million towards this exciting new capability.
“BIOVECTRA is well poised to make the production of mRNA therapeutics in our country a reality. As a leading Canadian CDMO, with more than 50 years of expertise, we have a proven record of pushing the boundaries of our capabilities to meet our global customers’ challenges. This expansion is a significant yet natural evolution for us,” Technow said.
In his address Champagne highlighted the role that will be played by the new facility in Canada’s response to health emergencies, including pandemics.
“Vaccines save lives, and COVID-19 vaccines are helping us start getting back to normal. BIOVECTRA’s plan to establish a state-of-the-art vaccine facility here in Prince Edward Island, and upgrade their existing facilities in Nova Scotia, is a key move that supports our strategy to grow a strong, competitive domestic life sciences sector with cutting-edge bio manufacturing capabilities,” the minister noted. “This will make sure Canada is prepared for future pandemics and other health emergencies, strengthen our economy and create good jobs here in Atlantic Canada.”
