Coronavirus: NI company Almac ‘proud’ of part in vaccine development

Craigavon based global pharmaceutical giant Almac has played a key role in the clinical trial of the new Covid-19 vaccine, it has revealed.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 11th Nov 2020, 15:45 BST
Updated 11th Nov 2020, 15:52 BST
The ‘Almac Pod’ is critical to keeping the vaccine at steady sub-zero temperatures as it is moved across the globe.The ‘Almac Pod’ is critical to keeping the vaccine at steady sub-zero temperatures as it is moved across the globe.
The ‘Almac Pod’ is critical to keeping the vaccine at steady sub-zero temperatures as it is moved across the globe.

The first effective vaccine, from developers Pfizer and BioNTech, can prevent more than 90% of people from getting Covid-19, according to preliminary tests.

The vaccine has been tested on 43,500 people in six countries with no safety concerns raised.

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Almac Clinical Services, part of the Almac Group, congratulated the developers on their achievement, adding that it has been proud to support its client, BioNTech, with a highly specialised range of services for the project.

Almac supports BioNTech with labelling, storage, distribution, provision and depots and a bespoke temperature controlled shipping solution - the Almac Pod. This uses advanced technology to keep the vaccine at a stable sub-zero temperature during transit.

Dr Robert Dunlop, Managing Director & President of Almac Clinical Services, said: “We are delighted with their announcement that significant progress has been made in this trial. The extremely positive news that we may see a vaccine being approved for use before the end of the year is the development the world has been waiting for and we are proud to have played our part.”

Global VP of Operations, Donna Christopher, who led the project for Almac, added: “We are both proud and privileged to support this clinical study through a range services which has enabled us to play our part in the fight against COVID-19. Everyone at Almac wishes Pfizer and BioNTech every success as they continue their excellent work to hopefully bring this pandemic to an end.”

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Founded by the late Sir Allen McClay, Almac employs over 5,600 people in 18 facilities in Europe, the US and Asia.

It is also supporting over 80 other global crucial research projects into Covid-19 treatment options.

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Related topics:AlmacPfizerBioNTechCraigavonCovid-19