Moderna invests $140M to bring final vaccine manufacturing steps to the US, completing its end-to-end mRNA production network in Massachusetts and creating hundreds of jobs.
In a significant move for American biotech and pharmaceutical independence, Moderna announced it is bringing the entire manufacturing process for its mRNA medicines—from start to finish—to the United States. The company is investing over $140 million to add the crucial final production step to its existing facility in Norwood, Massachusetts.
This strategic shift marks the completion of a “full manufacturing loop” under one domestic roof, reducing the company’s long-standing reliance on external partners.
What Does “End-to-End” Manufacturing Mean?
For years, Moderna, like many drugmakers, relied on contract manufacturers for the “fill-finish” stage. This is the final and critical step where the manufactured mRNA solution is sterilely filled into vials and sealed, making it ready for patients.
By onshoring this process, Moderna will now control every single step of production for its mRNA therapies domestically:
- Research & Design of the mRNA sequence.
- Synthesis of the active ingredient.
- Final Fill-Finish into vials.
“This is a major step in strengthening our domestic production network,” the company stated. The move will support the supply of both commercial products and new medicines currently in clinical trials.
Jobs, Timelines, and a Broader Industry Trend
Construction is already underway at the Moderna Technology Center in Norwood, with a target to complete the expansion by the first half of 2027. This project is expected to create hundreds of skilled, high-wage jobs in the biomanufacturing sector.
“By onshoring drug product manufacturing to our campus in Norwood, Massachusetts, we have completed the full manufacturing loop under one roof in the US,” said Moderna’s Chief Executive, Stephane Bancel.
Moderna’s decision is part of a larger trend in the pharmaceutical industry. Companies like Pfizer and Eli Lilly have also announced major expansions of their US manufacturing footprint in recent years. This collective move aims to build a more resilient supply chain, lessen dependence on overseas production, and ensure a reliable supply of essential medicines for the American public.
The company, which rose to global prominence with its Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine, is now applying its mRNA platform to develop treatments for a wide range of diseases, including cancer, rare diseases, and other infectious diseases. Controlling the entire production process will give Moderna greater flexibility and speed as it rolls out these new therapies.
