Two Eastern Pennsylvania companies are working on creating ingestible covid-19 vaccines in drinkable and capsule forms, and leaders hope they could be on the market sometime next year.The vaccine work comes from a partnership between VaxForm and U.S. Specialty Formulations, the latter of which plans to expand its Allentown facility, make renovations, hire new employees and buy equipment – all things that are necessary to meet the anticipated timeline of making the vaccine available by mid-2021.
“There will be a global demand for covid-19 vaccines, and investments like this can help position our commonwealth for success in recovery from this pandemic,” said Gov. Tom Wolf. “My administration is eager to support the growth and job creation of businesses stepping up and offering solutions as we continue to battle this virus and keep our communities healthy and safe.”
Funding for USSF’s expansion comes from a Department of Community Economic Development grant worth nearly $300,000 and a $2.4 million Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority Loan, Wolf said.
Another $225,000 came from the Covid-19 Vaccines, Treatments and Therapies Program, which aims to support the rapid creation of treatments and vaccines against the virus. In return, Wolf said, USSF has pledged to invest at least $5.2 million into the project and create nearly 100 jobs.
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