Johnson & Johnson collaborates with Biological E to manufacture its COVID – 19 vaccine :
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has recently joined hands with Biological E Limited to produce its COVID – 19 vaccine. J&J officially announced this on 18 May 2021. [1]
The vaccine developed by J&J is called Janssen COVID – 19 vaccine. It is currently approved for use in the US[1], the EU[2], Thailand, and South Africa.
J&J believes that this collaboration will be integral to the company’s global COVID – 19 vaccine supply network. This network is comprised of multiple manufacturing sites located in different countries and continents. J&J’s COVID – 19 vaccine is manufactured in these facilities before it is distributed.
The company also stated that it is actively working round the clock to scale up its manufacturing capabilities. It further expressed its appreciation over the ongoing collaborations for the manufacturing of its COVID – 19 vaccine globally.
The US pharma giant had earlier revealed that it was in discussion with the Government of India. Per this discussion, it stated that J&J’s single-dose vaccine would soon undergo bridging clinical trials in India. This was made public on 5 April 2021.
In a statement issued by the company, it disclosed that this trial would begin only with the local regulatory approvals in India. It further added that the company was keen on supplying a safe and effective COVID – 19 vaccine across the globe. However, this was subjected to approval by the local regulatory authorities.
To date, India has approved around 3 COVID – 19 vaccines for use in the country- Covishield, Covaxin, and Sputnik V. The country is currently looking for ways to boost its vaccine supply due to a rapid surge in the total caseload. The other driving reason behind this move is the increased demand for vaccines from the states.
Abbreviation :
- 1. United States
- 2. European Union