Novavax plans to produce NVX-CoV2373 at the National Research Council's Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Montreal after the candidate and the facility receive approval by Health Canada. The government previously agreed to purchase up to 76 million doses of NVX-CoV2373, which is undergoing rolling submission for regulatory approval by Health Canada.

The memorandum also includes the broader intention for the Canadian government and Novavax to work together to increase the company's presence in Canada. Together, they will explore partnership opportunities for Novavax to expand vaccine production in Canada, including utilizing Canadian contract manufacturers.

"Pursuing domestic manufacturing of Novavax' COVID-19 vaccine at the National Research Council's Royalmount facility is part of our government's commitment to protect the health and safety of all Canadians today, and in the future," said François-Philippe Champagne, the minister of innovation, science and industry in Canada.