12 January 2021 - - US-based biotechnology company Moderna (NASDAQ: MRNA) and US-based ridesharing and delivery platform Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) have forged a collaboration to explore ways to help support the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, the companies said.

Moderna and Uber say they will work together initially to provide accessible, credible information on vaccine safety through Uber's in-app messaging.

The two companies will also work with public health and other organizations to identify additional opportunities to support ongoing efforts to broaden access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Additional options being evaluated include incorporating ride scheduling directly into the immunization appointment process, and possibly integrating with vaccine providers' systems to text reminders and enable patients to book rides in advance of their first or second immunization appointments.

In December, Uber committed 10 m free or discounted rides to help ensure transportation is not a barrier to getting a vaccine.

Targeting communities hardest hit by the pandemic, Uber partnered with the National Urban League, National Action Network and the Morehouse School of Medicine.

Uber will continue to build a broad coalition of organizations committed to breaking down transportation barriers in these communities.

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine has been authorized for emergency use in the US by the FDA for active immunization to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 18 years of age and older and has been authorized by Health Canada for the immunization of Canadians 18 years of age and older under an Interim Order.

The Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine has also been granted a Conditional Marketing Authorization by the European Commission, based upon the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency, which authorizes the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna for active immunization to prevent COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus in individuals 18 years of age and older.

While initially targeting Uber users in the United States, the companies anticipate expanding this partnership globally in the coming months alongside ongoing immunization efforts.