As the problem of COVID-19 vaccines supplies so potently illustrates, it is time to rethink the EU’s pandemic preparedness strategy. More support is needed for late stage clinical development and large scale manufacturing
Amid pressure to speed up vaccination programmes some member states are starting to go their own way on securing doses. The EU’s head vaccine official says no country can jump the queue
Politicians accuse manufacturers of lack of transparency over multi-million deals with Brussels, and raise concerns over exemptions from legal action in case vaccines go wrong
The Innovative Health Initiative will see the scope of joint research between industry, academics and SMEs expand beyond pharmaceuticals, to include medical technology, biotech, digital health and vaccines
The European Commission’s work to secure access to potential COVID-19 vaccines is welcome, but other therapies are needed to end the pandemic and negotiations with European manufacturers of anti-viral antibodies should not be further delayed
Data from Germany and UK show BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines induce a broad immune response in early trials. Meanwhile UK government continues to go it alone in striking advance purchase deals
Brussels will negotiate advance purchase agreements, giving manufacturers confidence to invest before they know if vaccines work, and ensuring equitable access for EU27 and low- and middle-income countries around the world
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