Pfizer Inc. aims to expand its vaccine business by becoming a leader in the new gene-based technology behind its Covid-19 vaccine successes.
Pfizer will develop new prey using technology, called mRNA, to target other viruses and pathogens beyond the coronavirus, Albert Bourla said in an interview. He said the company’s scientists and engineers gained a decade of experience in the last year working on the Covid-19 vaccine with German BioNTech SE, and that he is willing to look for mRNA for himself.
“There is a technology that has shown dramatic impact and dramatic potential,” Bourla said. “We are the best positioned company right now to take the next step in our size and our experience.”
Pfizer will increase technology R&D, including the incorporation of at least 50 employees whose tasks will include mRNA, and will leverage the new mRNA manufacturing network it brought together last year to compete.
“We are now ahead and we plan to keep the gap open,” he said about the mRNA vaccine market.