Merck Will Manufacture Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine

Merck and Johnson & Johnson are set to begin a partnership involving the latter’s new authorized vaccine, according to a report in the Washington Post.

Just a few days ago, Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiary, Janssen, was granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use of Janssen’s Ad26.COV2.S COVID-19 vaccine. This is now the third vaccine approved for the prevention of COVID-19 in the United States.

The Biden Administration is set to make the announcement later today which would have Merck aid in the manufacture of the Janssen vaccine. According to the Post’s report, Merck would manufacture the vaccine and also aid in last stage production of the vaccine by filling vials and packaging the vaccine for distribution.

Merck is set to use 2 facilities for this manufacturing partnership.

With limited supply of the Janssen vaccine available, the Biden administration has looked for potential partners to ramp-up production for the vaccine.

With the emergence of the new variants, the medical community and the Biden Administration are looking for strategies to accelerate the pace of US vaccination.

The Janssen vaccines are expected to be administered to the public this week.