Coronavirus pandemic – Moderna wants to strengthen its collaboration with Switzerland

A vaccination subscription

“We have started negotiations with Switzerland for a vaccination subscription. We also want to invest in scientists in Switzerland and develop vaccines there in hospital and university laboratories, ”explains Stéphane Bancel, the French boss of the American company. Moderna also wants to carry out more clinical trials in Switzerland.

The boss of Moderna would like to enter into a long-term partnership with Switzerland, with a commitment to purchase a certain volume. This would allow rapid delivery, even in the event of a new virus. It could be a partnership between Moderna, Lonza and the Confederation. “But it is still too early to give details,” notes Stéphane Bancel.

A series of new vaccines

A series of mRNA vaccines are in development, for example against influenza or RS viruses, which cause fatal respiratory illness in the elderly and young children. “We could combine these three mRNA vaccines into a single dose and offer governments to secure deliveries for a given quantity over several years.”

In the event of a new pandemic, Moderna could very quickly develop a new vaccine. A country which would have ensured regular quantities would then be delivered as a priority.

In some countries, which become partners, the American biotechnology company sets up a production unit in return. In Switzerland, the model is different due to the partnership with Lonza.