The pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. will team up with its rival Johnson & Johnson to help make J&J’s vaccine. The Washington Post calls it “an unusual pact between fierce competitors that could sharply boost the supply of the newly authorized vaccine, according to senior administration officials.”

President Biden will make the formal announcement at the White House later on Tuesday. According to the Post, White House officials had been searching for additional ways to boost vaccine production after Johnson & Johnson fell behind schedule. Merck is the largest producer of vaccines in the world but has not successfully produced a Covid-19 vaccine.

“Under the arrangement, Merck will dedicate two facilities in the United States to Johnson & Johnson’s shots. One will provide “fill-finish” services, the last stage of the production process during which the vaccine substance is placed in vials and packaged for distribution. The other will make the vaccine itself, and has the potential to vastly increase supply, perhaps even doubling what Johnson & Johnson could make on its own, the officials said.”

The Post adds that President Biden will use the Defense Production Act to help Merck secure the additional equipment it will need for production.