Pfizer Inc. aims to expand its vaccine business by becoming a leader in the new gene-based technology behind its successful Covid-19 vaccines.
Pfizer will develop new vaccines using the technology, called mRNA, to target other viruses and pathogens in addition to the coronavirus, Chief Executive Albert Bourla said in an interview. He said the company’s scientists and engineers gained a decade of experience last year working on the Covid-19 vaccine with BioNTech SE from Germany, and are ready to search for mRNA on their own.
“There is technology that has proven dramatic impact and dramatic potential,” said Bourla. “We are the best positioned company at the moment to take the next step due to our size and experience”.
Pfizer will increase R&D in the technology, including adding at least 50 employees whose assignments will include mRNA, and will take advantage of the new mRNA manufacturing network set up last year to compete.
“Now we are ahead and we plan to keep the gap,” he said of the mRNA vaccine market.