MEDIA STATEMENT: MCEDC Congratulates Novavax for FDA Emergency Use Authorization of its Covid-19 Vaccine in the United States

MCEDC Congratulates Novavax for FDA Emergency Use Authorization of its COVID-19 Vaccine in the United States

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.

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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.

Contact:
Lynn Stander
Senior Communications Manager
301-922-8017
lynn.stander@thinkmoco.com