On Mar. 2, 2021, Merck announced multiple agreements to support efforts to expand manufacturing capacity and supply of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 medicines and vaccines.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) provided Merck with funding of up to $268.8 million to adapt and make available a number of existing manufacturing facilities for the production of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccines and medicines.

Merck also entered into agreements with Janssen Pharmaceuticals to support the manufacturing and supply of Johnson & Johnsonﾒs SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 vaccine.