WACKER Opens a New Center for RNA Competence

WACKER opened a mRNA competence center at its biotech site in Halle (Saale), Germany, that reportedly enables the large-scale production of active ingredients based on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), such as anti-COVID mRNA vaccines.

WACKER invested more than 100 million euros in the construction project. Four new production lines have more than trebled the site’s capacity. Some of the new capacity will be made available to the German government as part of its pandemic-preparedness plan in order to rapidly supply Germany with vaccines as and when required. The remaining production capacity is for other customers.

“The opening of our mRNA competence center in Halle is a milestone for WACKER. This is where we will be producing active ingredients for the medicines of tomorrow,” said CEO Christian Hartel. “Our expertise in making mRNA vaccines will contribute to the fight against future pandemics.”

“Medicine is making great strides thanks to mRNA technology, which isn’t just confined to vaccines. For instance, this technology gives us an opportunity to offer cancer patients targeted support going forward,” explained Melanie Käsmarker, managing director of Wacker Biotech, which bundles the WACKER Group’s biopharmaceutical activities and manufactures active ingredients in Halle and at other sites for market and clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies.

Given the initial vaccine shortage during the coronavirus pandemic, the German government has secured the production and supply of vaccines for the future. Companies were able to apply for pandemic-preparedness contracts with the German government.

As joint bidders for the production readiness of mRNA-based vaccines, WACKER and CordenPharma were among those companies awarded a contract. In the event of a new pandemic, WACKER and CordenPharma intend to produce 80 million vaccine doses a year within an extremely short time. The two companies will receive an annual stand-by fee for keeping production capacity and expertise available. The stand-by phase will last for at least five years.

Should the need arise, the German government will contact the developer of the specific mRNA vaccine that is required. WACKER and CordenPharma will then jointly produce this mRNA vaccine. Most of the production steps will take place in Germany.