Japan-based Meiji Seika Pharma Co. has announced its investment in ARCALIS, Inc. which is a joint venture between Axcelead, Inc., that manages a group of world-class pharmaceutical and healthcare platform companies, and Arcturus Therapeutics, Inc. a commercial mRNA medicines and vaccines company.

ARCALIS is engaged in the development of mRNA pharmaceuticals and vaccines, as well as contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) services. The company plans to establish a comprehensive system for the domestic production of mRNA vaccines, ranging from the development of manufacturing technologies to the production of both active pharmaceutical ingredients and formulations.

In response to the lessons learned from the delays experienced in the development of COVID-19 vaccines during the pandemic, ARCALIS and Meiji Seika Pharma are committed to advancing the development, production, and supply of mRNA vaccines in line with the "Strategy for Strengthening Vaccine Development and Production Systems" adopted by the Japanese government. 

This investment will further strengthen the collaborative relationship between the two companies. The combination of ARCALIS' advanced technology and operations in mRNA pharmaceuticals and vaccines with Meiji Seika Pharma's expertise in manufacturing, post-marketing safety management and stable product supply is expected to significantly improve the supply of mRNA vaccines in Japan.

Meiji Seika Pharma plans to supply the domestically produced next-generation sa-mRNA vaccine (replicon) ‘KOSTAIVE® for Intramuscular Injection’ in December 2024. This vaccine will be formulated by a Meiji Seika Pharma Group company using the active pharmaceutical ingredient produced by ARCALIS. Supply will commence upon approval of the partial change in manufacturing and marketing authorisation for the additional domestic manufacturing sites currently under application.