FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a global CDMO for biologics, viral vaccines and viral vectors, welcomed UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to Teesside at its Billingham site, on February 13 to meet the team working to support the manufacture of Novavax’ NVX-CoV2373 COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
 
The PM toured the facilities where the antigen component (active ingredient) of Novavax’ NVX-CoV2373 COVID-19 vaccine will be manufactured. Fujifilm has been contracted by Novavax to produce antigen for up to 180 million vaccine doses leveraging its technical expertise in baculovirus systems and biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
 
Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said, “I was delighted to visit Fujifilm and hear about the work being done to manufacture the Novavax vaccine, currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. If approved, Novavax will further strengthen our already record breaking vaccine rollout. The work of the team here to get this vaccine ready showcases some of the very best of British science and manufacturing.”
 
Paul Found, chief operating officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, UK, said, “As we prepare for production, we were extremely honored to host the Prime Minister at our state-of-the-art development and manufacturing facilities on Teesside. During the tour, the Prime Minister had great interest in seeing our science and technology at work, and speaking with a small number of our talented team who are working on the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine programme. The entire Fujifilm team feels a strong sense of pride that we are contributing to help address the pandemic.”
 
Novavax initiated the Phase 3 trial in the UK in September 2020. In January 2021, the company announced that NVX-CoV2373 met the primary endpoint, based on interim analysis, demonstrating the vaccine to be 89% effective in preventing coronavirus in participants, as well as efficacy against new UK variant.

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is also manufacturing the antigen component of the Novavax vaccine candidate at its North Carolina and Texas in the U.S.