July 14, 2022

CONTACT
Lynn Stander
Senior Communications Manager, MCEDC
301.922.8017
lynn.stander@thinkmoco.com

Federal approval furthers Montgomery County’s leading role in combatting the global health and economic impact of the pandemic

Gaithersburg-based Novavax has received emergency use authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to distribute throughout the country its COVID-19 vaccine, which is the first protein-based COVID-19 vaccine available in the United States. Once a policy recommendation is received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunizations with the Novavax vaccine can begin immediately for adults.

Additionally, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with the Department of Defense, announced earlier this week the purchase of an initial 3.2 million doses of the Novavax vaccine. The doses will be made available free to states, jurisdictions, federal pharmacy partners and federally qualified health centers.

The Novavax protein-based vaccine is already widely in use in over 35 countries, having received approval from multiple regulatory agencies worldwide, including the European Commission and emergency use listing from the World Health Organization. The Novavax vaccine is designed and manufactured differently than the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine options. It offers a new option for those who may have an allergic reaction to mRNA vaccines or who have a personal preference for receiving a vaccine other than an mRNA-based vaccine.

The latest Novavax news solidifies Montgomery County as the ‘Immunology Capital Next to the Nation’s Capital.’ Other global vaccine leaders with Montgomery County ties include BioNTech, which co-developed the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine approved in 146 countries; and AstraZeneca, which has a COVID-19 vaccine that is approved in over 140 countries. These companies, along with dozens more in the county, have greatly contributed to global COVID-19 vaccine research, development and manufacturing, as well as testing and treatment options.

Scientific work developed here in Montgomery County has supported the entire vaccine continuum across the globe. Companies in Montgomery County have received more than $5.5 billion in federal funding to fight COVID-19 around the world.

See Novavax’ news release here.

ABOUT MCEDC

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit our website. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.