Oxford Biomedica signs deal with UK-backed vaccine group

Oxford Biomedica has signed a deal with a UK government-backed vaccine group to increase manufacturing capacity for AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine.

The genetic research company has agreed a five-year deal with the Vaccines Manufacturing and Innovation Centre to provide equipment for its factory in Oxford. Oxford Biomedica said the equipment would allow it to increase manufacturing capacity at two sites at the complex from summer 2020 to meet demand for the experimental vaccine in the UK and Europe.

The sites could also be used for other vaccines and the agreement foresees a longer-term partnership between Oxford Biomedica and VMIC to deploy its manufacturing capability speedily to supply other viral vaccines when needed. VMIC was set up by the government to support the UK vaccine industry. The Covid-19 crisis found Britain short of manufacturing capacity for vaccines.

Oxford Biomedica shares, which have more than doubled since mid-March, rose 4.8% to 811.30p at 11:18 BST.

AstraZeneca said last week it was targeting more than 2bn doses of its vaccine, under development in partnership with Oxford University. If successful in trials the company hopes to start distributing the vaccine in September. AstraZeneca has been working with Oxford Biomedica since May on the vaccine.

John Dawson, chief executive of Oxford Biomedica, said: "Since we became involved in addressing the urgent need for UK manufacturing capacity for AstraZeneca's Covid-19 vaccine candidate AZD1222, we have strived to support VMIC's broader goal of accelerating and supporting UK manufacturing capacity and capabilities for vaccines more generally.

"This highly collaborative partnership allows for a rapid deployment capability to be established, and also accelerates fit out and utilisation of another two manufacturing suites within our new commercial manufacturing facility, Oxbox."