AGC Biologics, a global biopharmaceutical CDMO, will partner with Novavax, Inc., a biotech company developing next-gen vaccines, for the large-scale GMP production of Matrix-M, the adjuvant component of Novavax’ coronavirus vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373. Matrix-M is designed to enhance the immune response and stimulate high levels of neutralizing antibodies. NVX-CoV2373 is a stable, prefusion protein made using Novavax’ nanoparticle technology. AGC Biologics will optimize process development for scaled-up production of Matrix-M to significantly increase Novavax’ capacity to deliver doses in 2020 and 2021.

 
“We are quickly ramping up to successfully deliver this vital vaccine component to Novavax,” says AGC Biologics’ CEO Patricio Massera. “The urgency to help produce a vaccine to combat COVID-19 could not be higher.”
 
“We have been impressed with AGC Biologics’ level of collaboration and commitment,” said Timothy J. Hahn, SVP, Process Technology at Novavax. “They are an important strategic partner in expanding our supply chain of adjuvant for NVX-CoV2373 and for other vaccines being developed at Novavax, including our recombinant seasonal influenza vaccine, NanoFlu.”