Tesla is constructing cellular molecule printers to assist make the potential COVID-19 vaccine being developed by CureVac in Germany, the electric-car maker’s Chief Executive Officer, Elon Musk, tweeted on Wednesday.
CureVac, an unlisted German firm, has mentioned it’s growing transportable, automated mRNA manufacturing models that it calls printers and which Musk described as “RNA microfactories”.
They are being designed to be shipped to distant places, the place they will churn out its vaccine candidate and different mRNA-based therapies relying on the recipe fed into the machine.
But for the fast pandemic use – ought to its vaccine candidate win market approval – it has manufacturing websites with regulatory approval in Germany with a capability to supply lots of of thousands and thousands of doses.
The firm, primarily based in Tuebingen and backed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is a pioneer of the so-called messenger RNA method, which can also be pursued by BioNTech and its associate Pfizer in addition to Moderna.
RNA molecules are single-stranded variations of the DNA double-helix. Thanks to their recurring molecular sample, they are often produced in a comparatively easy biochemical course of that don’t require genetically modified dwelling cells, that are wanted to supply most different biotech medicine.
CureVac can also be constructing a brand new stationary web site that would enhance its output tenfold to billions of doses.
The “microfactories” could be constructed at Tesla Grohmann Automation in Germany, Musk mentioned in a Twitter thread late on Wednesday night time.
Tesla, as a aspect mission, is constructing RNA microfactories for CureVac & probably others
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 2, 2020
Tesla acquired the corporate that develops automated manufacturing methods for batteries and gas cells in 2016 to increase its manufacturing.
CureVac has been working with Tesla Grohmann to develop the cellular printer know-how, an individual conversant in CureVac mentioned.
Musk didn’t elaborate on his plans. Tesla and CureVac weren’t instantly obtainable to remark.
Musk, who is understood to make impromptu bulletins on Twitter, had in March mentioned that Tesla has additional FDA-approved ventilators that may be shipped freed from value to hospitals inside areas the place the electric-car maker delivers.
© Thomson Reuters 2020
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