- Meiji Seika Pharma invests in ARCALIS to strengthen mRNA vaccine development and production in Japan.
- The companies aim to enhance domestic vaccine supply and address future infectious disease needs.
Meiji Seika Pharma has announced its investment in ARCALIS, a joint venture focused on the development and manufacturing of mRNA vaccines and pharmaceuticals. This collaboration aims to bolster the production of mRNA vaccines in Japan, ensuring faster and more reliable vaccine supply during future health crises.
ARCALIS, which combines advanced mRNA technology with a strong manufacturing platform, is a joint venture between Axcelead, Inc. and Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. The company plans to establish a full domestic production system for mRNA vaccines, covering everything from development to manufacturing both active ingredients and final formulations. This aligns with the Japanese government’s “Strategy for Strengthening Vaccine Development and Production Systems,” introduced to address vaccine shortages seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The partnership will enhance the production capacity for mRNA vaccines in Japan. Meiji Seika Pharma will use ARCALIS’s expertise in mRNA production, combined with its own capabilities in manufacturing and safety management, to provide stable and timely vaccine supply. Meiji Seika Pharma plans to launch its next-generation sa-mRNA vaccine, KOSTAIVE, in December 2024, with supply contingent on the approval of manufacturing authorisation for additional sites.
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