Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has opened a new vaccines launch facility in Leiden, the Netherlands. The facility uses technological and manufacturing platforms that can support large-scale production of vaccines for late-stage (Phase III) clinical trials and commercial use. The facility is part of Janssen, J&J’s pharmaceutical business.

Janssen’s pipeline includes investigational vaccines to prevent infectious diseases, including HIV, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, Ebola, and Zika. In addition to supporting the development and launch of these vaccines, J&J says the new facility can also support global pandemic preparedness efforts, including Janssen’s most recent collaboration with the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop a vaccine against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, a viral respiratory illness.

A number of research and development platforms will be deployed at the vaccines launch facility, including Janssen’s proprietary AdVac viral-vector vaccines technology and the company’s PER.C6 manufacturing platform. The PER.C6 platform has the potential to enable high-capacity, high-speed and cost-effective manufacturing for multiple types of vaccines, according to information from J&J.

J&J says operations within the facility are underway, focused on producing clinical trial supplies for Janssen’s late-stage vaccine candidates, including for HIV.

Source: Johnson & Johnson