Pfizer-BioNTech to give EU another 200 million COVID-19 shots
Pfizer and BioNTech, on Wednesday, finalized an agreement to supply the European Union with another 200 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine. The doses come on top of the 300 million vaccine doses initially ordered. The EU's Executive Commission has an option to request a further 100 million doses. The 200 million doses are expected to be delivered this year.
EU has approved three vaccines for use
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was the first of three to be approved by the EU, which has faced strong criticism for a slow start to its vaccination campaign compared with countries such as Israel and Britain. The other two EU-approved vaccines are from Moderna and AstraZeneca.
EU has been facing delay in deliveries from companies
Delays to planned deliveries from all the vaccine manufacturers have fueled dissatisfaction among European governments. Last month, Pfizer said it was temporarily reducing deliveries to Europe and Canada while it upgraded production capacity at its plant in Belgium. The EU also had a public spat with AstraZeneca over getting fewer vaccine shots than anticipated. AstraZeneca's chief blamed new factories for having vaccine production issues.
BioNTech will start production at new plant in Germany
BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin noted that his company will initiate production at its new plant in Marburg, Germany, this month and has strengthened its manufacturing network with further partners. "We are evaluating as to how to address a higher supply requirement for vaccines," he said.
Johnson & Johnson has requested vaccine authorization
Wednesday's statement didn't give financial details of the latest EU-Pfizer deal. On Tuesday, the European Medicines Agency said it has received a request from Johnson & Johnson for its coronavirus vaccine to be authorized. The EU medicine regulator said it will issue an opinion by mid-March. The J&J vaccine is given in one shot, while the other three require two shots spaced weeks apart.
