Date: 15-Sep-2021

Novavax Statement On Takeda Agreement To Provide 150 Million Doses Of NVX-CoV2373 To The Government Of Japan

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited announced on September 7, 2021 that it had finalized an agreement with the government of Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for the purchase of 150 million doses of Novavax’ recombinant nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccine candidate, NVX-CoV2373 (TAK-019 in Japan).

“This agreement demonstrates confidence in and ongoing global demand for NVX-CoV2373 as a significant additional option to control the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. “Our important partnership with Takeda is an example of the global collaborations that will be required to stay ahead of the virus and its variants.”

The announcement follows a recent update from MHLW on its ongoing efforts to secure coronavirus vaccine for the citizens of Japan. These efforts include vaccine procurement by Takeda based on technology transfer from Novavax, with Takeda in the process of manufacturing implementation at its facility.

Distribution of Novavax’ vaccine in Japan by Takeda is expected to begin in early 2022. Novavax and Takeda previously announced a licensing agreement and are collaborating on manufacturing, clinical development and regulatory activities in Japan. Takeda anticipates the capacity to manufacture more than 250 million doses of Novavax’ COVID-19 vaccine per year.