KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer is applauding one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world, Pfizer Inc., for the launch of a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine.
The company has announced the initial manufacturing for the vaccine will take place at the company's location in Kalamazoo.
“This is great news for our families, our neighbors, and those serving on the front lines during this crisis,” said Governor Whitmer.
“COVID-19 has shown how vulnerable our country is when it comes to supply chain and much of the lifesaving materials we need are manufactured out of the country. That’s why we are so proud that one of the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the world is the Pfizer site right here in Kalamazoo, Michigan," she said in a release Tuesday.
"In fact, Michigan has a strong history of vaccine development with the polio and anthrax vaccines. Pfizer is a great partner and the State of Michigan and our strong manufacturing roots stand ready to serve.”
Governor Whitmer says Pfizer is now making additional investments to increase its manufacturing capacity with hopes to produce a promising vaccine candidate to the world.
The trial is part of a global development program, and the dosing of the first cohort in Germany was completed last week.
According to the governor, the first stage of the study is taking place at four sites across the U.S. and has plans to rapidly scale up the number of sites across the U.S. throughout the year.
