The two companies plan to explore the usage of artificial intelligence, blockchain and hybrid cloud for the vaccine distribution data sharing
The partnership will focus on exploring IBM’s Digital Health Pass. (Credit: Arek Socha from Pixabay)
US pharmaceutical company Moderna has partnered with technology firm IBM to support smarter Covid-19 vaccine management.
The two companies consider exploring various technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and hybrid cloud for Covid-19 vaccine distribution data sharing.
As part of the collaboration, Moderna and IBM will pilot open, standardised, technology-enabled vaccine distribution approaches that could enhance supply chain visibility and boost near real-time tracking of vaccine administration.
The partnership will also work towards findings technology solutions to help speed up secure, information sharing between governments, healthcare providers, life science organisations and individuals.
Moderna North America commercial operations managing director, VP, Michael Mullette said: “Moderna is committed to working with a coalition of partners to increase education and awareness of the importance of vaccination to help defeat Covid-19.
“We look forward to working with IBM to apply digital innovations to build connections between organizations, governments, and individuals to instil confidence in Covid-19 vaccines.”
Initially, the collaboration will focus on exploring the utility of IBM capabilities in the US.
IBM capabilities will be explored in developing vaccine management solutions that enable end-to-end traceability to address potential supply chain disruptions.
The solutions will allow governments and healthcare providers to quickly and securely share data regarding individual vaccine batches.
The partnership will also focus on exploring IBM’s Digital Health Pass, which is built on blockchain technology.
The blockchain solution allows individuals to maintain control of their personal health information and share it in a secured, verifiable and trusted way.
Digital Health Pass also enables organisations to verify health credentials for employees, customers and travellers.
IBM global strategic alliances leader managing partner Jason Kelley said: “If ever there was a time to rally around open technology and collaboration, it’s now.
“As governments, pharmacy chains, healthcare providers and life sciences companies continue to scale and connect their tools, and as new players enter the supply chain, open technology can help drive more transparency and bolster trust, while helping to ensure accessibility and equity in the process.”