Merck to help make Johnson & Johnson's single-shot Covid-19 vaccine: Report

Reuters

US-based Merck halted the development of two of its own coronavirus vaccines in January to instead focus on its two Covid-19 treatments.

Merck & Co Inc will help make rival Johnson & Johnson's single-shot Covid-19 vaccine, the Washington Post reported on Tuesday, citing senior officials from the Biden administration.

President Joe Biden is expected to make an announcement on Tuesday, said the report.

In January, US-based Merck halted the development of two of its own coronavirus vaccines to focus instead on its two Covid-19 treatments.

The company said last month that it was in talks with governments and companies to potentially help with the production of Covid-19 vaccines that had been authorized.

According to the report, the drug manufacturer will dedicate two US facilities to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

"Merck remains steadfast in our commitment to contribute to the global response to the pandemic," said the company.

J&J did not respond immediately to Reuter's request for comments.