MORRISVILLE, N.C. — President Trump visited the FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Innovation Center in Wake County on Monday.
The president toured facilities used to support the manufacturing of key components in a potential coronavirus vaccine being developed by Novavax.
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is manufacturing "bulk drug substance for NVX-CoV2373, Novavax’ COVID-19 vaccine candidate, which is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial," according to a statement Thursday. The vaccine is expected to enter Phase 2 clinical trials in mid-August and Phase 3 by the fall.
Trump spoke about the collaboration between his admistration and the private sector to rapidly develop a vaccine and then provide accelerated manufacturing and distribution when ready.
In response to the visit, Trump's presidential opponent Joe Biden released the following statement: "As COVID-19 cases in North Carolina continue to rise, North Carolinians deserve better than the inaction we have seen from President Trump and his administration. The magnitude of this crisis was preventable. Yet Donald Trump has failed to take accountability for his shameful response and instead placed blame on everyone but his own administration. North Carolina is currently battling a concerning increase in cases, with over 112,000 cases and over 1,700 deaths statewide. As North Carolinian families grapple with devastating losses, they deserve a president who cares deeply about not only their safety, but also their ability to pay rent, put food on the table, and afford health care. We also need to give our students, educators, and communities the necessary resources to implement safety precautions and ensure our students can return to school safely."
Monday's was the president's 10th to North Carolina during his administration. He arrived in Morrisville Monday afternoon.
The entire trip lasted just under two hours.
4:40 p.m.
The president arrived at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. At 4:47 p.m., wheels were ready to go up.
4:23 p.m.
Motorcade pulled out of the facility. The president's tour lasted only a few minutes. He did not stop to take reporter questions.
3:32 p.m.
President Trump stepped up to the podium. He announced a Moderna vaccine is entering phase three of clinical trials. Trump also mentioned that he hopes to have a coronavirus vaccine as early as the end of 2020.
3:26 p.m.
The president arrived at the biotech facility. A few dozen supporters waved flags and held up their phones upon his arrival. Half a dozen protesters gathered and waved signs.
3:04 p.m.
The president deplaned. Although he was not wearing a mask, he kept his distance from each official he spoke with. He was greeted by several officials including; Rep. Mark Walker, Lieutenant Gov. Dan Forest, State Representative Tim Moore, and State Senator Phil Berger.
2:49 p.m.
Air Force One touched down at Raleigh-Durham International Airport. According to The White House, on board that plane with the president was Secretary Azar, Rep. Dan Bishop, Rep. Richard Hudson, Rep. David Rouzer, Rep. Greg Murphy, Jared Kushner, Stephen Miller, Peter Navarro, Derek Lyons, and Kayleigh McEnany.
2:10 p.m.
According to The White House, Air Force One's wheels were up at 2:10 p.m.