Biopharmaceutical company Moderna Inc (NASDAQ: MRNA) announced on Monday that it has entered into a strategic partnership with CEPI (Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations), a partnership between public, private, philanthropic and civil organisations.

Under the partnership, Moderna's mRNA platform will be leveraged to expedite vaccine development for global viral outbreaks. Focused on pandemic preparedness, the collaboration aligns with the 100 Days Mission, aiming to compress vaccine development timelines to 100 days.

The initial project will assess AI-generated antigen designs against high-risk viral families. CEPI-funded researchers will send designs to Moderna, enabling rapid manufacturing of vaccine candidates using Moderna's mRNA platform for preclinical testing. This collaboration aims to enhance infectious disease targets for mRNA vaccine technology.

CEPI and Moderna are committed to equitable access, with CEPI retaining rights to antigen designs generated using its funding. Any licensed vaccines developed through this partnership are expected to be affordable in low- and middle-income countries. CEPI and Moderna first collaborated in 2020, with CEPI providing early investment for Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-1273).

Launched in 2017, CEPI was formed to accelerates vaccine and biologic countermeasure development against epidemic and pandemic threats, ensuring accessibility for all in need.

Moderna has a diverse clinical portfolio using mRNA technology. The company's mRNA platform facilitates rapid clinical and commercial production, contributing to the development of vaccines and therapeutics for various diseases, including COVID-19.