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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

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  • Jun 17, 2024

  • Mrudula Kulkarni

Wacker Leads Biotech Revolution With New mRNA Competence Center In Germany

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.


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