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Celltrion signs mRNA deal with California's TriLink BioTechnologies

Published: 04 Aug. 2021, 17:00 Updated: 04 Aug. 2021, 17:19

Celltrion signed a deal with San Diego, California-based TriLink BioTechnologies for the transfer of material and technologies related to the production of mRNA vaccines, the company said Wednesday.

mRNA, or messenger ribonucleic acid, vaccines induce an immune response with antigen genes. The Moderna and Pfizer Covid-19 vaccines use mRNA.

TriLink BioTechnologies, mainly known as contract development and manufacturing organization for nucleic acids and mRNA capping analogs, owns crucial mRNA vaccine technology, according to Celltrion. The company owns CleanCap mRNA capping technology, which simplifies mRNA manufacturing by removing enzymatic steps.

In the deal, TriLink BioTechnologies will deliver to Celltrion candidate substances for mRNA vaccines and DNA needed to make mRNA. All the technology and skills to produce mRNA vaccines will also be transferred to Celltrion.

Celltrion will be responsible for Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials. It will develop mRNA vaccines that are helpful for Covid-19, as well as virus variants, based on the given candidate substances and technologies.

With the deal, Celltrion aims to acquire the technology for the production of mRNA vaccines. It will be used for the development of vaccines for Covid-19 and other diseases.

Celltrion closed at 269,500 won ($236) per share Wednesday, up 1.7 percent from the previous session's close.

BY SARAH CHEA [[email protected]]