AGC Biologics partners with Novavax to produce NVX-CoV2373
component
SEATTLE, June 3, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- AGC Biologics,
a global biopharmaceutical Contract Development and Manufacturing
Organization (CDMO), has announced that it will partner with
Novavax, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVAX), a late-stage biotechnology company
developing next-generation vaccines for serious infectious
diseases, on large-scale GMP production of a critical component of
Novavax' coronavirus vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373. AGC Biologics
will manufacture Matrix-M™, the adjuvant component of the
vaccine, in order to enhance the immune response and stimulate high
levels of neutralizing antibodies. NVX-CoV2373 is a stable,
prefusion protein made using Novavax' proprietary nanoparticle
technology. AGC Biologics will optimize process development for
scaled-up production of Matrix-M to significantly increase Novavax'
capacity to deliver doses in 2020 and 2021.
"We are quickly ramping up to successfully deliver this vital
vaccine component to Novavax," says AGC Biologics' CEO Patricio Massera. "The urgency to help produce a
vaccine to combat COVID-19 could not be higher."
"AGC Biologics' mission is to work side-by-side with our
partners to produce life-saving and extending products," says
Mark Womack, CBO of AGC Biologics.
"Partnering with Novavax to manufacture this vaccine component is
an amazing opportunity to make a profoundly positive
difference."
"We have been impressed with AGC Biologics' level of
collaboration and commitment," says Timothy
J. Hahn, SVP, Process Technology at Novavax. "They are an
important strategic partner in expanding our supply chain of
adjuvant for NVX-CoV2373 and for other vaccines being developed at
Novavax, including our recombinant seasonal influenza vaccine,
NanoFlu™."
About Novavax:
Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVAX), is a
late-stage biotechnology company that promotes improved health
globally through the discovery, development, and commercialization
of innovative vaccines to prevent serious infectious diseases.
Novavax recently initiated development of NVX-CoV2373, its vaccine
candidate against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, with
Phase 1 clinical trial results expected in July of 2020. NanoFlu™,
its quadrivalent influenza nanoparticle vaccine, met all primary
objectives in its pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial in older adults.
Both vaccine candidates incorporate Novavax' proprietary
saponin-based Matrix-M™ adjuvant inorder to enhance the immune
response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies.
Novavax is a leading innovator of recombinant vaccines; its
proprietary recombinant technology platform combines the power and
speed of genetic engineering to efficiently produce highly
immunogenic nanoparticles in order to address urgent global health
needs. Learn more at www.novavax.com.
About AGC Biologics:
AGC Biologics is a leading global
Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a
strong commitment to deliver the highest standard of service to
clients and partners. The company currently employs more than 1000
employees worldwide. AGC Biologics' global network spans three
continents, with cGMP-compliant facilities in Seattle, Washington; Boulder, Colorado; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; and Chiba,
Japan.
AGC Biologics offers deep industry expertise and unique
customized services for the scale-up and cGMP manufacture of
protein-based therapeutics, from pre-clinical to commercial
mammalian and microbial production. Integrated service offerings
include plasmid (GMP pDNA) manufacturing, cell line development,
bioprocess development, formulation, analytical testing, antibody
drug development and conjugation, cell banking and storage and
protein expression, including the proprietary CHEF1® Expression
System for mammalian production. Learn more at www.agcbio.com.
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