On Monday, August 16, the US biotech reported it had secured a revised supply agreement with the Canadian government for up to 105 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine and its booster vaccine candidate, if authorized, for delivery through 2024.
The agreement provides for 20 million doses each year in 2022 and 2023, with an option for an additional 15 million doses each year. For 2024, the agreement provides an option for up to 35 million doses.
The development follows the recent news it is to build an mRNA vaccine manufacturing plant in that country.
Vaccine approved for use in UK teens
This week also saw the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) authorize Moderna’s vaccine for use in 12-17 year old individuals in the UK.
The watchdog confirmed on Tuesday August 17 that the vaccine is safe and effective in that age group.
Dr June Raine, MHRA chief executive, said: “We have in place a comprehensive safety surveillance strategy for monitoring the safety of all UK-approved COVID-19 vaccines and this surveillance will include the 12- to 17-year age group.
“It is for the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) to advise on whether this age group should be vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine made by Moderna as part of the deployment program.”
Booster for immunocompromised individuals
Meanwhile, last Friday, August 13, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an update to the emergency use authorization for Moderna’s vaccine to include a third dose for immunocompromised individuals aged 18 or older in the US.
Such individuals would include those that have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who have been diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise.