Pfizer to Handle Final COVID-19 Vaccine Packaging in Mexico Starting 2027
Pfizer will begin conducting the final stage of COVID-19 vaccine production—specifically packaging and labeling—at its facility in Toluca, Mexico, starting in 2027. Juan Luis Morell, president and general director of Pfizer, confirmed that the current memorandum of understanding with the Secretariat of Health (Ssa) does not include full manufacturing or technology transfers at this time, but establishes a five-year commitment for the Mexican government to purchase the vaccine.
Did You Know? The new version of the COVID-19 vaccine arriving for the 2026-2027 winter season will feature technology that does not require ultracold storage, allowing it to be kept in standard refrigeration between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius for up to 12 months.
Operational Scope and Future Contracts
While the memorandum focuses on the final stages of production, the transition remains subject to the final terms of a contract between the pharmaceutical firm and the Ssa. According to Morell, the agreement must align with national procurement laws to ensure legal certainty for the investment. The current plan aims to integrate updated SARS-CoV-2 variants into the vaccine supply, facilitating easier distribution to remote areas of Mexico due to the improved temperature stability of the new biopharmaceuticals.
Clinical Research and Investment Plans
Pfizer intends to double its investment in Mexico through expanded research and development, particularly clinical trials. In 2026, the company plans to launch phase three clinical trials for a vaccine targeting 25 serotypes of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Additionally, the company is conducting real-world impact studies on a 20-serotype vaccine already in use. These trials are expected to include Mexican participants, providing local data on the safety and efficacy of the products.
Expert Insight: The inclusion of local populations in clinical trials is a significant development for public health, as it generates country-specific evidence on vaccine performance. However, the ultimate scope of these projects—including potential research into new obesity-related GLP1 molecules acquired from Metsera—remains contingent upon the formalization of agreements between the company and the Secretariat of Health.
Potential Next Steps for Clinical Trials
A possible next step involves the integration of Mexican patients into trials for a new obesity-treating molecule. Pfizer recently acquired Metsera, the developer of a GLP1 molecule that mimics natural hormones to suppress appetite. Recent phase 2B results suggest the potential for a once-monthly administration, a departure from the weekly doses currently offered by other manufacturers. The official start of these trials in Mexico remains subject to ongoing negotiations with the Ssa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What production tasks will be performed at the Toluca plant?
Starting in 2027, the Toluca facility will handle the final stage of vaccine manufacturing, which is limited to packaging and labeling.
Will there be a technology transfer for vaccine production in Mexico?
No. According to Juan Luis Morell, there is no current plan for a full production plant or technology transfer in the existing memorandum.
What are the new storage requirements for the upcoming vaccine?
The new version of the vaccine, expected for the 2026-2027 winter season, can be stored in standard refrigeration at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius for 12 months, eliminating the need for ultracold storage.
How might the increased availability of temperature-stable vaccines affect immunization rates in Mexico’s most remote regions?