IDT and Sanofi to manufacture mRNA vaccines under development

Drug development company IDT Australia and pharmaceutical business Sanofi have signed an agreement for the good manufacturing practice (cGMP) manufacture of Sanofi’s mRNA vaccines now under development.

The partners will collaborate to advance mRNA-based vaccine formulation, development and manufacture at IDT’s aseptic sterile injectables filling facilities in Melbourne (pictured) in volumes needed for clinical trials targeting a number of medical conditions. The facility is one of only a few such facilities in the Asia Pacific region.

mRNA technology came to the fore during the Covid-19 pandemic with vaccines developed quickly using the new technology proving effective in protecting the public from disease.

The value of initial services being provided by IDT is up to $3.5 million, with the agreement allowing for follow on work packages.

The Chief Executive of IDT Paul McDonald said: “Through design and synthesis of novel molecules to novel formulations, IDT Australia is committed to the translation of medicine from bench to patient.

“We are constantly and actively investing in our capabilities to deliver complex formulation development of novel advanced therapies.”

Revenues from the agreement with Sanofi are in line with IDT’s strategy of pursuing higher value products that require more complex formulation for manufacture.

McDonald said: “This collaboration with Sanofi underscores IDT Australia’s unique expertise and world class facilities while reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in the global pharmaceutical industry.”

IDT received support early during the pandemic to develop its sterile facilities, however lost out to Moderna in big grants fostering mRNA vaccine manufacture in Australia.

Further reading:
IDT Australia misses out on federal mRNA support
IDT Australia gains medical cannabis manufacturing licence

Picture: IDT Australia/Melbourne sterile facility