Moderna Pauses Kenya mRNA Manufacturing Facility Amidst Declining Vaccine Demand
On 30 March 2023, Moderna announced it had finalized an agreement with the Government of Kenya to establish an mRNA manufacturing facility in the country.
One year later on 11 April 2024, Moderna announced a temporary halt on building an mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Kenya. This decision comes after declining demand for COVID-19 vaccines across Africa, making the planned factory financially unsustainable.
Key Points:
- Moderna hasn't received new vaccine orders from Africa since 2022 and faced cancellations, leading to significant financial losses.
- Despite the pause, Moderna reiterates its unwavering commitment to supplying COVID-19 vaccines to Africa through its existing global network, demonstrating its dedication to the continent's healthcare needs.
- The company is actively developing vaccines for diseases prevalent in Africa, like HIV and malaria, but these are still in early stages.
- Moderna aims to better align its investments with Africa's evolving healthcare needs by pausing the Kenya facility construction.
- The company deeply appreciates the support from the Kenyan and US governments and looks forward to future collaboration, expressing its gratitude and recognition of their invaluable contributions.
Looking Forward:
Moderna acknowledges the importance of equitable access to vaccines and healthcare solutions in Africa. While the mRNA plant construction is on hold, the company remains committed to supporting the continent through:
- Delivering COVID-19 vaccines via its existing network.
- Developing public health vaccines targeting diseases impacting Africa.
- Exploring future options to contribute to the Kenyan healthcare system with its mRNA technology.
Investor
Outbound region
Inbound region
Industry
Pharmaceutical and biotechnology
Date of record
11 April 2024
