Halle (dpa/sa) - The expansion of a new so-called mRNA competence center for the production of corona vaccines, among other things, is beginning in Halle. "In the future, active ingredients based on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), such as mRNA vaccines against the corona virus, will be produced here on the Weinberg Campus," said a spokeswoman for Wacker Biotech on Tuesday. The symbolic groundbreaking is planned for next Tuesday.
In the future, the company is to secure the production of vaccines in the event of a pandemic. A spokesman for the city recently announced that it had been awarded the federal government's contract for the production of mRNA-based vaccines. Around 200 jobs and a new building are to be created as part of the investment.
If the corona pandemic persists or a new pandemic occurs, Wacker should produce 80 million vaccine doses per year in cooperation with CordenPharma, a spokesman for the technology and start-up center in Halle said. The federal government can increase the volume to 100 million cans per year. The company - like four other companies - receives an annual fee for keeping the production capacities available. The readiness phase begins in 2024 after the companies have built up the capacities. It ends in 2029.
