Biotech
Moderna builds a European mRNA powerhouse
Location
Basel-Stadt
Industry
Biopharma
Employees
100+ in Basel
Country of origin
US
A global innovator sought a European engine
Modern biotechnology company Moderna pioneered mRNA vaccines and delivered one of the first COVID19 vaccines. When the pandemic hit, demand for its vaccines surged and the company needed a European base that could help it scale manufacturing and manage commercial operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
Basel, Switzerland quickly emerged as the natural choice. In 2020 Moderna partnered with Basel-based contract development and manufacturing organization Lonza to produce its COVID19 vaccine. By May 2020 the partners announced a 10-year strategic manufacturing collaboration that would enable production of COVID19 vaccines and other products at Lonza’s plant in Visp, Switzerland.
To support this collaboration and serve its EMEA markets, Moderna opened its European headquarters in Basel and signed a supply contract with the Swiss government for 4.5 million doses of vaccine.
Why did Moderna choose the Basel Area?
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Biotech and pharma ecosystem – the region hosts hundreds of biotech and pharmaceutical companies. The presence of industry leaders and CDMOs, including Lonza, ensured that partners and suppliers were nearby.
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Deep talent pool – The region’s universities, R&D institutes and multinational headquarters provide a large, experienced workforce. The Basel Area’s commercial talent pool is substantial and that the life sciences community’s collaborative spirit fosters ongoing networking and development.
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Strategic connectivity – the Basel Area sits at the heart of Europe with efficient road, rail and air links. The city’s airports and trains make logistics simple; Zurich’s international airport is also easily accessible. The region’s position allowed Moderna to coordinate manufacturing infrastructure across sites in Spain, Italy and as far away as South Korea.
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Supportive ecosystem – Local authorities and agencies provided swift guidance on registration, recruiting and hiring. The region’s stable political and economic environment and multicultural atmosphere helped seal the decision.
We partnered very early in our manufacturing with Lonza. Basel made sense for Moderna because of its hub of biotech and pharmaceutical companies. It was easier for us to settle in this environment and to recruit a pool of highly specialised people.
Former Senior VP of International Manufacturing, Moderna
From a one-person office to a 200-person hub
When Moderna first arrived in Basel, the European headquarters consisted of a single employee working from borrowed office space. By May 2023, the headquarters had grown to around 140 people in downtown offices. The team handles production processes, quality control, supply chains, finances and medical affairs, serving customers across Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
As demand for Moderna’s mRNA vaccines skyrocketed, the region’s talent pool and infrastructure enabled the company to scale quickly. Moderna hired nearly 100 employees in less than a year, tapping into the Basel Area’s robust biopharma ecosystem.
Today, Moderna’s 200-person EMEA headquarters is firmly established in Basel-Stadt.
With its European operations anchored in the Basel Area, Moderna is better positioned than ever to deliver transformative medicines to patients – faster, smarter, and at scale.
The commercial talent pool in Basel is substantial, driven by global and regional HQs demanding top-tier commercial expertise, all strengthened by a collaborative, well connected life sciences community.
Former Director of Talent Acquisition at Moderna
What were Moderna’s outcomes and its future outlook?
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Rapid vaccine supply – Locating the headquarters near a major CDMO like Lonza allowed Moderna to scale production quickly and deliver millions of doses during the pandemic. The supply contract with the Swiss government for 4.5 million doses underscored Switzerland’s trust in the partnership.
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Growth beyond COVID19 – Moderna is leveraging the region’s R&D and regulatory ecosystem to develop next-generation vaccines. The company is preparing for pan-respiratory vaccines and other respiratory vaccines and plans to recruit more talent as new therapies progress.
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Long-term commitment – Despite global workforce optimizations, Moderna continues to invest in its Basel hub. The 10-year collaboration with Lonza and the rapid scaling of the EMEA headquarters highlight a long-term presence in Switzerland.
What all this means for life sciences companies
Moderna’s success story demonstrates how the Basel Area empowers biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to thrive. The region combines world-class research, manufacturing partnerships, a deep pool of specialized talent, and strategic connectivity. For decision makers in the United States and Europe seeking to expand or launch operations in Europe, the Basel Area offers a unique blend of innovation capability, commercial expertise and quality of life.
If your company is considering European expansion, take a cue from Moderna and explore how the Basel Area’s life sciences supercluster can support your growth, innovation and global impact.
