Biotechnology company Moderna, Inc. has signed a five-year strategic memorandum of understanding with the Government of Mexico, state manufacturer BIRMEX and pharmaceutical firm Laboratorios Liomont to strengthen domestic vaccine manufacturing and pandemic preparedness in the country.
The agreement aims to build local production capacity for mRNA-based vaccines while ensuring long-term supply of respiratory immunizations. As part of the partnership, Moderna will transfer manufacturing technology to Liomont so the company can produce mRNA-1273 within Mexico, reducing reliance on international supply chains.
The collaboration aligns with the Mexican government’s industrial development initiative known as Plan Mexico, which seeks to expand domestic pharmaceutical and biotechnology capabilities. Beyond manufacturing, the partners will also work on local clinical research programs and pandemic response frameworks tailored to national health priorities.
Chief Executive Officer Stephane Bancel said the deal supports national health security while broadening Moderna’s global reach. He noted that establishing in-country production can improve rapid response to outbreaks and expand access to respiratory vaccines for the population.
The agreement follows regulatory clearance from COFEPRIS for the company’s updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine for individuals six months and older. Mexico has also awarded a procurement contract for up to 10 million doses to healthcare distributor Medistik, reinforcing the country’s near-term vaccination strategy.
Industry analysts view the partnership as part of a broader global shift toward regional vaccine manufacturing after supply disruptions experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many governments are seeking domestic production capabilities to reduce dependence on imports and improve response speed during health emergencies.
For Mexico, the collaboration could help build long-term biotechnology expertise while supporting future vaccine research. For Moderna, it represents another step in geographic diversification — expanding beyond North America and Europe into Latin America’s growing pharmaceutical market.
If successful, the initiative could transform Mexico into a regional hub for mRNA vaccine production, enabling both domestic coverage and potential export capacity across neighboring countries while strengthening preparedness for future pandemics.