On February 25, 2021 Moderna, Inc. (Nasdaq: MRNA), a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, reported financial results and provided business updates for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2020 and highlighted pipeline progress (Press release, Moderna Therapeutics, FEB 25, 2021, View Source [SID1234575682]).
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"2020 was a historic year for Moderna. The team rose to the challenge to address the devastating COVID-19 pandemic in less than one year with our authorized vaccine. It is encouraging and humbling that more than 32 million doses of our vaccine have been administered in the U.S. and that millions of people around the world have been vaccinated with our vaccine to date. 2020 demonstrated the power of harnessing mRNA to make medicines and also demonstrated the speed and scalability of the Moderna platform that we have built over the last 10 years," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "I believe that 2021 will be an inflection year for Moderna. We previously believed that mRNA would lead to approved medicines, and we were limited in our ambitions by the need for regular capital raises and keeping several years of cash to manage financing risk. We now know that mRNA vaccines can be highly efficacious and authorized for use, and we are a cash-flow generating commercial company. We opened commercial subsidiaries in 8 countries in 2020 and plan to add Japan, South Korea and Australia in 2021. We plan to accelerate and significantly increase our investments in science and grow our development pipeline faster. By executing on our 2021 priorities, we will advance our mission of delivering on the promise of mRNA science to create a new generation of transformative medicines for patients. This is just the beginning."
New updates and recent progress include:
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Raises lower end of global manufacturing plan for 2021 from 600 million doses to 700 million doses; making capital investments to increase capacity up to an expected 1.4 billion doses in 2022
Phase 2/3 study of mRNA-1273 in adolescents has completed enrollment of 3,000 participants
Infectious Diseases
First cohort in the Phase 1 study of hMPV/PIV3 vaccine candidate (mRNA-1653) fully enrolled
First older adult in the Phase 1 study of RSV vaccine candidate (mRNA-1345) has been dosed
First 3 cohorts in age de-escalation study of RSV vaccine candidate (mRNA-1345) for the pediatric population fully enrolled
Rare Diseases
Study start-up activities for Phase 1/2 study of PA candidate (mRNA-3927) ongoing
Cardiovascular Diseases
Regained all rights to the Relaxin development candidate from AstraZeneca
Moderna currently has 24 mRNA development programs in its portfolio with 13 having entered clinical studies. The Company’s updated pipeline can be found at www.modernatx.com/pipeline. Moderna and collaborators have published more than 65 peer-reviewed papers.
Summary of Program Highlights by Modality
Core Modalities
Prophylactic Vaccines: Moderna is developing vaccines against viral diseases where there is unmet medical need – including complex vaccines with multiple antigens for common diseases, as well as vaccines against threats to global public health. The Company’s global public health portfolio is focused on epidemic and pandemic diseases for which funding has been sought from governments and non-profit organizations.
COVID-19 Vaccine Development
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine: On December 30, 2020, interim safety and primary efficacy results from the Phase 3 trial of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (mRNA-1273) were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Safety data continues to accrue, and the study continues to be monitored by an independent Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) appointed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). All participants in the COVE study will be monitored for two years after their second dose to assess long-term protection and safety. Today, the Company is sharing an update on the Phase 3 COVE study. An updated total of adjudicated COVID-19 cases among baseline seronegative participants in the COVE study starting two weeks following the second dose showed 690 cases to date, of which 639 cases of COVID-19 were observed in the placebo group versus 51 cases observed in the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine group. Participants in the Phase 3 COVE study are in the process of being unblinded and cases will continue to accrue. On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the emergency use of mRNA-1273, Moderna’s vaccine against COVID-19, in individuals 18 years of age and older. Moderna has also received emergency (or other conditional, interim or provisional) authorization for use of its COVID-19 vaccine from health agencies in Canada, Israel, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Singapore and Qatar. Moderna is working with additional health agencies and with the World Health Organization on the authorization of its vaccine in additional jurisdictions. BARDA, part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), partially supported the research and development of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine with federal funding under Contract no. 75A50120C00034. Moderna retains worldwide rights to develop and commercialize the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.
Addressing Variants of Concern: On February 24, Moderna announced that it completed manufacturing of clinical trial material for its variant-specific vaccine candidate, mRNA-1273.351, against the SARS-CoV-2 variant known as B.1.351 first identified in the Republic of South Africa and has shipped doses to the NIH for a Phase 1 clinical trial that will be led and funded by the NIH’s NIAID. The Company also provided an update on its strategy for addressing SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.
Publication of Note: Letter to the editor in the New England Journal of Medicine published February 17, 2021, showed vaccination with the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine produced neutralizing titers against all key emerging variants tested, including B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, first identified in the UK and Republic of South Africa, respectively. The study showed no significant impact on neutralizing titers against the B.1.1.7 variant relative to prior variants. A six-fold reduction in neutralizing titers was observed with the B.1.351 variant relative to prior variants.
Further Clinical Studies of mRNA-1273
Phase 2/3 "TeenCOVE" study of mRNA-1273 in adolescents: The Phase 2/3 study of mRNA-1273 in adolescents ages 12-17 years has completed enrollment of 3,000 participants in the U.S.
Phase 2 "KidCOVE" study of mRNA-1273 in young children: The Phase 2 study of mRNA-1273 in pediatric population ages 6 months to 11 years will start in the near-term.
Phase 1/2 study of mRNA-1273 in Japan: The Phase 1/2 study of Moderna’s vaccine candidate against COVID-19 (mRNA-1273 or TAK-919) in Japan, led by Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd is ongoing.
Next-generation vaccine against COVID-19 (mRNA-1283): mRNA-1283 is a next-generation vaccine candidate against COVID-19 that encodes for the portions of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein critical for neutralization, specifically the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) and N-terminal Domain (NTD). The encoded mRNA-1283 antigen is shorter than mRNA-1273, and is being developed as a potential refrigerator stable mRNA vaccine that will facilitate easier distribution and administration by healthcare providers. mRNA-1283 is intended to be evaluated for use as a booster dose for previously vaccinated or infected individuals as well as in a primary series for seronegative individuals.
Vaccines requiring complex antigens and against highly prevalent infections
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) vaccine (mRNA-1647): Positive interim data from the Phase 2 study assessing the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of different dose levels of mRNA-1647 were presented at Moderna’s annual R&D Day. Based on the interim analysis of the Phase 2 study, the 100 μg dose has been chosen for the Phase 3 pivotal study, which is expected to begin in 2021. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights for mRNA-1647.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccine (mRNA-1189): mRNA-1189 is a vaccine against EBV containing five mRNAs that encode viral proteins (gp350, gB, gp42, gH and gL) in EBV. Similar to Moderna’s CMV vaccine (mRNA-1647), the viral proteins in mRNA-1189 are expressed in their native membrane-bound form for recognition by the immune system. Moderna is planning to begin a Phase 1 study of mRNA-1189 in 2021. There is no approved vaccine for EBV. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1189.
Vaccines against respiratory infections
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and parainfluenza type 3 (PIV3) vaccine (mRNA-1653): Moderna is enrolling seropositive pediatric participants (12-36 months of age) in the Phase 1 study of hMPV/PIV3 study (mRNA-1653). The first cohort in this study has been fully enrolled. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1653.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine (mRNA-1345): mRNA-1345 is a vaccine against RSV encoding for a prefusion F glycoprotein, which elicits a superior neutralizing antibody response compared to the postfusion state. On January 11, Moderna announced its plan to amend the protocol to include evaluation of mRNA-1345 in older adults (greater than 50 years), in addition to the pediatric population, who are also at risk of significant RSV disease. In the pediatric population, the first three cohorts of younger adults in the Phase 1 age de-escalation study of mRNA-1345 are fully enrolled. The age range of toddlers in this de-escalation Phase 1 study has been amended to 12-59 months (from 12-36 months). In the older adult population, the first participant in the Phase 1 study of mRNA-1345 in the adult RSV vaccine has been dosed. The Company also intends to evaluate the potential of combinations of mRNA-1345 with its vaccines against other respiratory pathogens in children and separately in older adults. There is no approved vaccine for RSV. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1345.
Seasonal influenza vaccine (mRNA-1010, mRNA-1020, mRNA-1030): Seasonal flu (type A and type B) epidemics occur seasonally and vary in severity each year, causing respiratory illnesses and placing substantial burden on healthcare systems. The WHO estimates globally about 3,000,000-5,000,000 severe cases of flu each year, and 290,000-650,000 flu-related respiratory deaths. Approximately 8% of the U.S. population experiences symptoms from flu each year, with 140,000-810,000 hospitalizations and 12,000-61,000 deaths per year. Peak flu activity is seen in temperate climates from fall to winter and is reflected in increases in outpatient visits, urgent care visits, and hospitalizations. In the U.S., the estimated average economic burden of seasonal influenza is approximately $11 billion per year. The Company plans to explore potential combination vaccines against flu, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and human metapneumovirus (hMPV). The Company’s first-generation flu program will evaluate multiple candidates comprising multiple antigen combinations against the four seasonal viruses recommended by the WHO. The Company expects to begin Phase 1 clinical trials for this program in 2021.
Public health vaccines
Zika virus vaccine (mRNA-1893):Moderna is preparing for a Phase 2 study of mRNA-1893, which is expected to begin in 2021. mRNA-1893 is being developed in collaboration with BARDA. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-1893.
HIV vaccine (mRNA-1644 & mRNA-1574): HIV is the virus responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a lifelong, progressive illness with no effective cure. Approximately 38 million people worldwide are currently living with HIV with 1.2 million in the U.S. Approximately 2 million new infections of HIV are acquired worldwide every year and approximately 690,000 people die annually due to complications from HIV/AIDS. The primary routes of transmission are sexual intercourse and IV drug use, putting young adults at the highest risk of infection. From 2000 to 2015, a total of $562.6 billion globally was spent on care, treatment and prevention of HIV, representing a significant economic burden. mRNA-1644, a collaboration with the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), is a novel approach to HIV vaccine strategy in humans designed to elicit broadly Neutralizing HIV-1 Antibodies (bNAbs). A Phase 1 study for mRNA-1644 will use iterative human testing to validate the approach and antigens and multiple novel antigens will be used for germline-targeting and immuno-focusing. A second approach, mRNA-1574, is being evaluated in collaboration with the NIH and includes multiple native-like trimer antigens. The Company expects to begin Phase 1 studies for both mRNA-1644 and mRNA-1574 in 2021.
Nipah virus (NiV) Vaccine (mRNA-1215): NiV is a zoonotic virus transmitted to humans from animals, contaminated food, or through direct human-to-human transmission and causes a range of illnesses including fatal encephalitis. Severe respiratory and neurologic complications of NiV have no treatment other than intensive supportive care. The case fatality rate among those infected is estimated at 40-75%. NiV outbreaks cause significant economic burden to impacted regions due to loss of human life and interventions to prevent further spread, such as the slaughter of infected animals. NiV has been identified as the cause of isolated outbreaks in India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Singapore since 2000 and is included on the WHO R&D Blueprint list of epidemic threats needing urgent R&D action. mRNA-1215 was co-developed by Moderna and the NIH’s Vaccine Research Center (VRC).
Pandemic influenza/H7N9 vaccine (mRNA-1851): Discussions regarding funding the Company’s pandemic influenza/H7N9 vaccine program through approval are ongoing.
Systemic Secreted & Cell Surface Therapeutics: In this modality, mRNA is delivered systemically to create proteins that are either secreted or expressed on the cell surface.
Antibody against the chikungunya virus (mRNA-1944): Positive interim data from the Phase 1 study evaluating escalating doses of mRNA-1944 in the 0.6 mg/kg dose with steroid premedication cohort and two doses of 0.3 mg/kg (without steroid premedication) given one week apart cohort were presented at Moderna’s annual R&D Day in September and demonstrated dose-dependent increases in levels of antibody against chikungunya. Safety and increased CHKV-IgG production in the two-dose regimen shows the platform’s ability for repeat dosing.
IL-2 (mRNA-6231): mRNA-6231 is an mRNA encoding for a long-acting tolerizing IL-2. This new autoimmune development candidate is designed to preferentially activate and expand the regulatory T cell population. The Company plans to conduct a Phase 1 study of mRNA-6231 in healthy adult volunteers. mRNA-6231 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. The Phase 1 study of mRNA-6231 will be the first clinical demonstration of subcutaneous administration of this delivery technology. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-6231.
PD-L1 (mRNA-6981): mRNA-6981 is an mRNA encoding for PD-L1. This new autoimmune development candidate is designed to augment cell surface expression of PD-L1 on myeloid cells to provide co-inhibitory signals to self-reactive lymphocytes. As an initial step to addressing a range of autoimmune indications, the Company intends to pursue proof-of-concept in a Phase 1 study of mRNA-6981 in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), a condition that involves liver inflammation and can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. mRNA-6981 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-6981.
Relaxin (AZD7970): Moderna has regained all rights to the Relaxin development candidate from AstraZeneca. Moderna now owns worldwide commercial rights to this development candidate.
Exploratory Modalities
Cancer Vaccines: These programs focus on stimulating a patient’s immune system with antigens derived from tumor-specific mutations to enable the immune system to elicit a more effective anti-tumor response.
Personalized cancer vaccine (PCV) (mRNA-4157): The randomized Phase 2 study investigating a 1 mg dose of mRNA-4157 in combination with Merck’s pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA), compared to pembrolizumab alone, for the adjuvant treatment of high-risk resected melanoma is ongoing. Phase 1 in multiple cohorts is ongoing. The upsized head & neck cohort is recruiting additional patients. Moderna shares worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-4157 with Merck.
Mutant KRAS vaccine (mRNA-5671 or V941): The Phase 1 open-label, multi-center study to evaluate the safety and tolerability of mRNA-5671 both as a monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab, led by Merck, is ongoing. Moderna shares worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-5671 with Merck.
Intratumoral Immuno-Oncology: These programs aim to drive anti-cancer T cell responses by injecting mRNA therapies directly into tumors.
OX40L (mRNA-2416): The Phase 1/2 study of mRNA-2416 alone and in combination with durvalumab (IMFINZI) is ongoing. The Phase 2 dose expansion study of mRNA-2416 in combination with durvalumab in ovarian cancer patients is enrolling and the first patients have been dosed. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-2416.
OX40L/IL-23/IL-36γ (Triplet) (mRNA-2752): The Phase 1 trial evaluating mRNA-2752 as a single agent and in combination with durvalumab in patients with advanced solid tumor malignancies and lymphoma is ongoing. mRNA-2752 is an investigational mRNA immuno-oncology therapy that encodes a novel combination of three immunomodulators. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-2752.
IL-12 (MEDI1191): The Phase 1 open-label, multi-center study of intratumoral injections of MEDI1191 alone and in combination with durvalumab in patients with advanced solid tumors, led by AstraZeneca, is ongoing. MEDI1191 is an mRNA encoding for IL-12, a potent immunomodulatory cytokine. Moderna shares worldwide commercial rights to MEDI1191 with AstraZeneca.
Localized Regenerative Therapeutics: Localized production of proteins has the potential to be used as a regenerative medicine for damaged tissues.
VEGF-A (AZD8601): The Phase 2a study of AZD8601 VEGF-A, which is being developed for patients with ischemic heart disease undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery with moderately impaired systolic function, led by AstraZeneca, is ongoing. Moderna has licensed worldwide commercial rights to AZD8601 to AstraZeneca.
Systemic Intracellular Therapeutics: These programs aim to deliver mRNA into cells within target organs as a therapeutic approach for diseases caused by a missing or defective protein.
Propionic acidemia (PA) (mRNA-3927): Study start-up activities for the Phase 1/2 study of PA candidate (mRNA-3927) have resumed following COVID-19 related pause and protocol amendment. mRNA-3927 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3927.
Methylmalonic acidemia (MMA) (mRNA-3705): Moderna received rare pediatric designation for its next generation MMA candidate (mRNA-3705). The Company plans to file new IND and CTA applications for mRNA-3705 and will focus development efforts on that candidate going forward. mRNA-3705 uses the same LNP formulation as mRNA-1944. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3705.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) (mRNA-3283): Individuals with PKU have a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) resulting in a reduced or complete inability to metabolize the essential amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine. mRNA-3283 encodes human PAH to restore the deficient or defective intracellular enzyme activity in patients with PKU. mRNA-3283 is in preclinical development. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3283.
Glycogen storage disease type 1a (GSD1a) (mRNA-3745): Individuals with GSD1a have a deficiency in glucose-6-phosphatase resulting in pathological blood glucose imbalance. mRNA-3745 is an IV-administered mRNA encoding human G6Pase enzyme, designed to restore the deficient or defective intracellular enzyme activity in patients with GSD1a. mRNA-3745 is in preclinical development. Moderna owns worldwide commercial rights to mRNA-3745.
Information about each development candidate in Moderna’s pipeline can be found on the investor relations page of its website: investors.modernatx.com.
Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Financial Results (Unaudited)
Cash Position: Cash, cash equivalents and investments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $5.25 billion and $1.26 billion, respectively.
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.03 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to net cash used in operating activities of $(459) million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Cash Used for Purchases of Property and Equipment: Cash used for purchases of property and equipment was $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $32 million for the same period in 2019.
Revenue: Total revenue was $571 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $14 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Total revenue was $803 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increases in both periods in 2020 were driven by increases in grant revenue and product sales. The increase in grant revenue was primarily due to the BARDA award to accelerate development of our COVID-19 vaccine. We began to recognize revenue in December 2020 from our COVID-19 vaccine subsequent to its authorization for emergency use by the FDA and Health Canada.
Cost of Sales: Costs of sales were $8 million, or 4% of Moderna’s product sales, in 2020, primarily comprised of third-party royalties as the associated inventory costs were expensed previously. If inventory sold during 2020 was valued at cost, Moderna’s cost of sales for 2020 would have been $62 million, or 31% of Moderna’s product sales.
Research and Development Expenses: Research and development expenses were $759 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $118 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Research and development expenses were $1.37 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $496 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increases in 2020 were largely attributable to mRNA-1273 clinical development, pre-launch inventory buildup prior to the emergency use authorization from the FDA and to a lesser extent, an increase in personnel related costs, primarily driven by an increase in the number of employees supporting our mRNA-1273 development activities.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses: Selling, general and administrative expenses were $79 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $26 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $188 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $110 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increases in 2020 were mainly due to an increase in personnel costs, and outside services, primarily attributable to increased headcount and mRNA-1273 vaccine candidate commercialization-related activities.
Net Loss: Net loss was $272 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $123 million for the fourth quarter of 2019. Net loss was $747 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $514 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine Supply Agreements & Regulatory Updates
Moderna has confirmed the following supply agreements of committed orders:
United States: 300 million doses with options to purchase an additional 200 million doses; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized emergency use in individuals 18 years of age and older
European Union: 310 million doses with option to purchase an additional 150 million doses in 2022; the European Commission has granted a conditional marketing authorization (CMA) for COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna in individuals 18 years of age and older1
Japan: 50 million doses
Canada: 44 million doses; Health Canada authorized COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna for the immunization of people 18 years of age and older under an Interim Order
Republic of Korea: 40 million doses
United Kingdom: 17 million doses; the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna for use under Regulation 174, a temporary authorization
Switzerland: 13.5 million doses; Swissmedic, the Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, authorized the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna in Switzerland
Colombia: 10 million doses
Israel: 6 million doses; Israel’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has given authorization to import the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna
Taiwan: 5 million doses
Singapore: (undisclosed); the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved the interim authorization of the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna for use under the Pandemic Special Access Route (PSAR)
Qatar (undisclosed); the Qatar Ministry of Public Health issued an emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna
Management Updates
Moderna’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Tal Zaks, M.D., Ph.D., will be leaving the Company in late September after six years of service. The Company has retained Russell Reynolds to recruit for a new CMO with global and commercial experience as the Company scales up the launch of its COVID-19 Vaccine and prepares to file several biologics license applications (BLAs) over the next few years.
"I would like to thank Tal for his tremendous impact on Moderna’s success over the last six years. Tal joined us when we were a pre-clinical company. His guidance and contributions were important in helping Moderna get to where we are today. Through his leadership over the past year in Moderna’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tal has made a contribution that extends beyond Moderna to all of society. I have enjoyed having him as my partner and wish him all the best as he embarks on the next leg of his career," said Stéphane Bancel.
Corinne Le Goff, Pharm.D., M.B.A., joined Moderna as the Company’s first Chief Commercial Officer on January 19, 2021. Dr. Le Goff previously served as SVP and President U.S. Business Organization at Amgen (Nasdaq: AMGN). During her nearly 6-year tenure at Amgen, she also served as SVP of the Europe Region and oversaw 48 markets. Dr. Le Goff was actively engaged with the policy community and advocates for innovative, high-quality and affordable healthcare.
2020 Commercial Network
The Company started to build a global commercial network. This infrastructure will enable Moderna’s entire portfolio, which means that Moderna can commercialize its entire pipeline without a large pharmaceutical partner. The Company now has subsidiaries, distributors or partners in the following geographies:
Moderna USA
Moderna Canada
Moderna France
Moderna Germany
Moderna Italy
Japan (Partner: Takeda)
Moderna Spain
Moderna UK
Moderna Switzerland
Corporate Updates
Shareholder letter: Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel published a letter to shareholders on January 4, 2021.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders: The Moderna Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held on April 28, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. ET. The meeting will be held virtually at www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/MRNA2021. The record date for voting or attendance as a stockholder is 4:00 p.m. ET on March 1, 2021.
2021 Financial Considerations
Advance Purchase Agreements (APAs): Already signed APAs for scheduled delivery in 2021, reflecting a total of $18.4 billion in anticipated product sales. Additional discussions ongoing with several governments relating to APAs for scheduled deliveries in 2021 and 2022. Moderna responded to a tender to UNICEF to supply COVAX in 2021 and 2022 and discussions are ongoing with COVAX/UNICEF.
Cost of Sales: Expected at approximately 20% of product sales for fiscal year 2021.
2021 Research & Development (R&D) and Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) Expenses: For the first quarter 2021, expect low double-digit percent increase versus adjusted fourth quarter 2020 results of $0.5 billion. The fourth quarter 2020 reported expense was $0.8 billion. Adjusted Q4 expense, totaling $0.5 billion, excludes $0.3 billion of reported expenses, which are now capitalized and expensed through cost of sales, based on our change from a research and development to a commercial organization.
Tax Rate: Effective tax rate expected in the mid-teen percentage level as a result of the forecasted global sales mix and utilization of the accumulated net operating loss carry-forward of $2.3 billion.
Capital Expenditures: $350-400 million of capital investments currently planned for 2021.
2021 New Commercial Networks
In 2021, the Company plans to further expand its commercial network to enable Moderna’s entire portfolio.
Moderna will host a live conference call and webcast at 8:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, February 25, 2021. To access the live conference call, please dial 866-922-5184 (domestic) or 409-937-8950 (international) and refer to conference ID 4066945. A webcast of the call will also be available under "Events and Presentations" in the Investors section of the Moderna website at investors.modernatx.com. The archived webcast will be available on Moderna’s website approximately two hours after the conference call and will be available for one year following the call.