Wacker Leads Biotech Revolution With New mRNA Competence Center In Germany
Wacker's new mRNA centre in Halle boosts vaccine production capacity, enhancing pandemic preparedness globally
Breaking News
Jun 17, 2024
Mrudula Kulkarni

Wacker has achieved a significant accomplishment by
establishing an mRNA competence center at its biotechnology facility in Halle
(Saale), Germany. This new center allows for the extensive manufacturing of
active components utilizing messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), including
vaccines against Covid-19.Wacker invested over €100 million in the project,
generating 100 new jobs in Halle. Part of the expanded capacity will support
Germany's pandemic readiness plan for swift vaccine supply. The opening
ceremony for the new mRNA competence center on June 3, 2024, was attended by
300 guests from politics, business, and Wacker employees.
The expansion transforms Wacker’s Halle site into a hub for
large-scale mRNA active ingredient production. The addition of four new
production lines has more than tripled the site’s capacity. Some capacity will
serve the German government's pandemic response, with the remaining allocated
to other customers. However, initial contracts for these services have already
been finalized.
Christian Hartel, CEO of Wacker, said “The opening of our mRNA competence center in Halle is a milestone for Wacker. This is where we will be producing active ingredients for the medicines of tomorrow—not only for the German government, but for other customers too. "He further added “Our expertise in making mRNA vaccines will contribute to the fight against future pandemics. It has taken us just two years to build a high-tech production facility with an annual capacity of more than 200 million vaccine doses—an unrivalled achievement in this field, which demonstrates true German efficiency.”
Managing Director of Wacker Biotech, Melanie Käsmarker,
said, “Medicine is making great strides thanks to mRNA technology, which isn’t
just confined to vaccines. For instance, this technology gives us an
opportunity to offer cancer patients targeted support going forward. Wacker
Biotech bundles the Wacker Group's biopharmaceutical activities and
manufactures active ingredients in Halle and at other sites for market and
clinical trials conducted by pharmaceutical companies. Based in Halle, we’ll be
able to meet the globally rising demand for mRNA actives.”
Biotechnology is a crucial area of expansion for
Wacker. By 2030, Wacker Biosolutions aims to generate approximately €1 billion
in group sales. Transforming the Halle site into a hub for mRNA expertise will
support this objective. The next significant step is anticipated this year with
the launch of a new biotechnology center in Munich.