As Moderna Grapples With Supply Shortage, FDA Gives Nod To Additional Lots of COVID-19 Booster

  • The FDA authorized an additional five batches of Moderna Inc's (NASDAQ: MRNA) updated Covid booster shots made at Catalent Inc's (NYSE: CTLT) Indiana facility after it deemed them safe for use.

  • Last week, the agency allowed the use of ten batches of Moderna's updated booster shots made at the Bloomington facility, owned by a unit of Catalent, which is currently not a part of emergency use authorization.

  • Reuters reported that the FDA had earlier said Moderna had requested authorization for additional batches in light of the current supply issues.

  • It did not provide details on the number of doses cleared in both instances.

  • Pharmacy chains like CVS Health Corp (NYSE: CVS) and Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (NASDAQ: WBA) are working with the U.S. government to acquire more Moderna doses.

  • The chains also said they have not witnessed any supply issues for the Pfizer Inc (NYSE: PFE) and BioNTech SE (NASDAQ: BNTX) booster shot.

  • Moderna asked the FDA to authorize the use of its updated booster shot in children ages 6 to 17 and plans to complete a request for the use of the booster in children six months through 5 years later this year.

  • Though amid shortage, vaccine sites have either canceled or stopped scheduling new appointments for people seeking a Moderna booster shot.

  • Price Action: MRNA shares are up 1.51% at $121.50 during the premarket session on the last check Tuesday.

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