Catalent to expand production of J&J COVID-19 vaccine

The contract drug manufacturer will bring online a second J&J vaccine production line at its plant in Anagni, Italy, during the fourth quarter, the Journal reported.

The ramp-up should help boost Covid-19 vaccine supplies in the European Union, which has been hampered by late signing of contracts, delivery problems and difficulties distributing shots in some member states.

European regulators recently cleared J&J’s vaccine, although distribution isn’t expected to begin until next month.

J&J has agreed to provide the EU with 200 million doses this year, and the EU has the option of buying another 200 million. The company has said it was confident it would meet its full-year target.

J&J’s is also just one-shot, unlike vaccines from Moderna Inc., Pfizer Inc. and its partner BioNTech SE that require two doses weeks apart.