Federal government invests in biomanufacturing in Calgary, Alta.
by CM Staff
The proposed three-year project aims to expand Northern RNA's biomanufacturing capacity, including by establishing a facility compliant with good manufacturing practice (GMP) to produce lipids.
CALGARY — François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced a contribution of $15 million to support Northern RNA’s $50 million project through the Strategic Innovation Fund. The proposed three-year project aims to expand Northern RNA’s biomanufacturing capacity, including by establishing a facility compliant with good manufacturing practice (GMP) to produce lipids that are a critical component for mRNA vaccines and therapies.
This project aligns with Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy and aims to make Canada’s vaccine supply chain more resilient by securing domestic lipid production. Through this project, Northern RNA will maintain 50 jobs, create 100 new jobs and hire students for 195 co-op terms.
“Keeping Canadians safe and healthy by making sure they have access to life-saving medicines and vaccines remains a top priority. This is a critical investment to strengthen Alberta’s growing biomanufacturing and life sciences industry. Northern RNA will upgrade and expand its world-class Alberta facility, while creating good jobs and securing economic growth for Canadians,” said François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
“Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves from infectious diseases and other health concerns. As we learned during the pandemic, we need to be able to respond to public health emergencies quickly and efficiently to ensure the best health outcomes for Canadians. Through this investment and our broader Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy, our government is building Canada’s biomanufacturing capacity to ensure it can meet the future health care needs of Canadians,” said Mark Holland, Minister of Health.
