Benzinga | Aug 25, 2021 05:41AM EDT

EMA Approves Additional Sites To Boost Output Capacity For mRNA-Based COVID-19 Vaccines

* European Medical Agency (EMA) has approved additional manufacturing sites for mRNA-based coronavirus vaccines developed by Pfizer Inc (NYSE:PFE) - BioNTech SE (NASDAQ:BNTX) and Moderna Inc (NASDAQ:MRNA) to help boost production amid an increase in infections.

* Related: Pfizer's CEO Says Work In Progress For Specialized Vaccine Targeting COVID-19 Delta Variant.

* The agency's human medicines committee approved a site at Saint Remy Sur Avre in France for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, Comirnaty.

* The Delpharm-operated site will help provide up to 51 million additional doses of Comirnaty in 2021.

* The EMA also approved a new manufacturing line at BioNTech's site at Marburg in Germany, which would help boost capacity for the vaccine's active substance by about 410 million doses this year.

* The EMA also approved an additional site at Bloomington, Indiana, for Moderna's vaccine, Spikevax, and several other locations involved in testing and packaging.

* The Bloomington site is operated by Catalent Inc (NYSE:CTLT).

* The recommendations do not require a decision by the European Commission, and the sites can become operational immediately.

* Also See: Isreal Study Shows Pfizer Booster Shot Slowing Spread of Delta Variant In Elderly.

* Related content: Benzinga's Full FDA Calendar.

* Price Action: PFE shares are down 0.41% at $48.36, BNTX stock is down 1.18% at $363.85, and MRNA is down 1.67% at $388.33 during the premarket session on the last check Wednesday.