Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel is currently in Berlin for talks with the German government. Bancel told Handelsblatt that the BioNTech facilities are an interesting option compared to building new ones. However, a suitable partnership with the German government is a prerequisite.
BioNTech announced in early May that it would close several production sites in Germany, ending the production of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. Moderna is now showing interest in the plants of its former pandemic-era competitor.
Bancel made clear that Moderna would also take on BioNTech employees if it invests. At the same time, he demanded better framework conditions for pharmaceutical companies in Germany. Specifically, he criticized the planned Contribution Stabilization Act by Health Minister Karl Lauterbach, which would require the pharma industry to make savings in the healthcare system.
The Moderna CEO is seeking a long-term partnership with the German government, similar to those the company has already established in the United Kingdom and Canada. If Berlin does not cooperate, Bancel threatens to pursue alternatives in Europe. He also warned that without investment, there will soon be no mRNA production capacity left in Germany and Europe – a massive sovereignty problem given the establishment of at least five mRNA companies in China.
Source: Tagesschau
