Normally Fierce Competitors, Merck and J&J Work Together to Boost Vaccine Output

Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) one-dose, easily stored COVID-19 vaccination recently received Emergency Use Authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration, increasing the number of immunizations available to the American public. To boost its ability to disseminate more vaccines, J&J has partnered with Merck—typically one of its biggest competitors—to help J&J manufacture its vaccine. Merck has extensive experience in vaccine development and manufacture; however, its COVID-19 vaccine was not successful. While it may take a few months for Merck to begin manufacturing the immunization, its contribution is expected to greatly increase the availability of the J&J COVID-29 vaccine. Click here to read more.