Denmark headquartered AGC Biologics, a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) for Biopharmaceuticals, has announced its partnership with Japanese firm Takara Bio.

The companies will partner in the fight against COVID-19 by collaborating on a prophylaxis DNA vaccine, with AGC Biologics manufacturing the plasmid DNA intermediate for the vaccine.

"We are working hard in this fight against COVID-19," said Takara Bio's CEO Koichi Nakao. "We are grateful for the support of AGC Biologics. This partnership will help us move safely and quickly in the development of this vaccine."

The vaccine will be developed based on Osaka University and AnGes, Inc.'s expertise of developing plasmid DNA products.

"AGC Biologics is delighted to be working with Takara Bio on a project that will make a big difference for countless people," says AGC Biologics CBO Mark Womack. "Our organization looks forward to partnering with Takara Bio to successfully fight this global threat."

With manufacturing facilities in Asia, Europe and the United States, AGC Biologics brings decades of experience as a CDMO, including providing commercial market supply with PDMA, EMA and FDA approvals. To serve the rapidly growing demand for pDNA, AGC Biologics offers a 10-year proven track record in commercial plasmid production and a highly customizable approach for all plasmid needs.