Moderna and Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation announced in July 2024 that they have entered a joint agreement regarding the co-promotion of Moderna’s mRNA respiratory vaccine portfolio in Japan. This includes Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines, Spikevax. Through the agreement, Moderna will handle the manufacturing, sales, medical education, and distribution of its mRNA respiratory vaccines. The two companies will engage in activities to “enable broad access” to Moderna’s mRNA respiratory portfolio to ensure that it has the “maximum impact on public health” in Japan. The agreement has an initial term until 31st March 2029.
Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation is the pharma arm of Mitsubishi Chemical Group and is “one of the oldest” pharmaceutical companies in the world. Founded in 1678, it focuses on ethical pharmaceuticals. Moderna, a “leader in the creation of the field of mRNA medicine” is “reimagining how medicines are made” and “transforming” disease prevention and treatment.
Kazumasa Nagayama, President and Representative Director of Moderna Japan, is “pleased” to partner with Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma to “enable the commercialisation of our COVID-19 vaccine and future mRNA respiratory vaccine portfolio to the people of Japan”.
“Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma has a significant heritage in Japan and has long contributed to public health through numerous vaccines and possesses extensive experience and deep knowledge in this area.”
Moderna looks forward to “working together to provide our COVID-19 vaccine in Japan” as the virus “continues to pose a significant threat to public health”. Akihiro Tsujimura, Representative Director of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, stated that Moderna has delivered COVID-19 vaccines to “many people worldwide” since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Moderna and engage in commercial activities for the COVID-19 vaccine and other mRNA respiratory vaccines in Japan. We will continue to contribute to public health in Japan through our vaccine business.”
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