As COVID-19 Vaccines Ship, One Company Brings Innovation to the Vials

As potential vaccines for COVID-19 approached approval, the focus has been on the safety and efficacy of candidates. Now that vaccines have been approved, attention has been shifting to the complex logistical challenges of manufacturing, distributing, and delivering vaccines to patients. The process has opened up visibility into many aspects of the supply chain that are usual taken for granted. One of those aspects are the vials used to store that vaccines and the threat that a shortage of glass bottles could cripple distribution efforts. SiO2 Material Science, which won a $143 million U.S. government contract for vials and syringes, is applying semiconductor technology to create plastic containers with a nano coating of glass inside. We spoke to Christopher Weikart, head of scientific affairs and chief scientist for SiO2 Material Science, the considerations that go into a vaccine vial, the technology SiO2 is using, and why it offers advantages over traditional glass and plastic.