Merck, the pharmaceutical giant with significant operations in Montgomery County, has joined forces with fierce rival Johnson & Johnson to speed up production of its single-shot COVID-19 vaccine, write Christopher Rowland and Laurie McGinley for The Washington Post.

This unusual pact has been brought about by President Joe Biden’s push to have enough shots for every adult in the nation by the end of May.

“Two of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world who are usually competitors are working together on the vaccine,” said Biden. “This is the type of collaboration between companies we saw in World War II.”

Merck will receive $268.8 from the administration to upgrade several of its plants to the required safety standards to manufacture Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Under the arrangement, the company will dedicate two U.S. facilities to Johnson & Johnson’s shots. One will work on the last stage of the production process known as the “fill-finish,” while the other will make the vaccine. The second facility has the potential to vastly increase supply, potentially doubling what Johnson & Johnson could make on its own.

Read more about the partnership at The Washington Post by clicking here.