With the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, many institutions have had to refocus to ensure they are only investing in critical business areas. Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq: DVAX) is one of those that has acted quickly to safeguard the health and safety of its employees and customers. And in its continuation to offer effective operations, the company has inked a commercial supply collaboration agreement with Biological E. Limited (BE). The agreement allows BE to purchase CpG 1018 adjuvant from Dynavax for use in the production of BE’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, CORBEVAX.
CpG 1018 is a vaccine approved by the FDA and the European Commission in the US. Over time, the adjuvant used in Heplisav-B (Hepatitis B vaccine) is known to have increased vaccine immune response, as demonstrated in Heplisav-B. Additionally, it has provided a well-developed technology and a significant safety database.
Accelerating Large-Scale Manufacturing of a Covid-19 Vaccine
Today, BE boosts eight WHO-prequalified vaccines in its portfolio with a supply footprint in more than 100 countries. Its therapeutic products are sold in India and the USA. Being the first private sector biological products company in India, the company has embarked on new initiatives, including the partnership with DVAX. From the positive outcome demonstrated by CpG 1018 adjuvant, the CEO of Dynavax, Ryan Spencer, commented, “Dynavax is proud to extend our collaboration with Biological E with a commercial supply agreement… in hopes that CORBEVAX™ will be an important COVID-19 vaccine protecting people globally regardless of income level.”
Word has it that the Union Health Ministry has completed arrangements with BE to reserve 300 million doses of Corbevax. These will be manufactured and launched later this year after completing conditional regulatory approvals in India by BE. In addition, the Indian government has been providing financial aid as a way of encouraging indigenous vaccine manufacturers.
Meanwhile, DVAX has reaffirmed its commitment to apply a rigorous approach to drug development and commercialization to help physicians and patients address unmet needs.