We seem to have moved on from when first one company, and then two commanded the COVID vaccine supply chain. European Union certainly discovered that, when Astra-Zeneca said they could not have their vaccines at the rate they wanted them. Nowadays the boot seems to be shifting towards the other foot, with a suggestion Europe may ditch Astra-Zeneca completely.
Europe May Not Renew Its Contract with Astra-Zeneca
‘We’re pragmatic,’ European Commissioner for Interior Market Thierry Breton told Brussel Times on Sunday April 18, 2021. ‘My priority as head of vaccines is to ensure that companies deliver in, and at the right time to contract.’ She previously announced on BFMTV channel Astra-Zeneca had not delivered as she expected.
Europe may not be renewing its contract because the vaccine maker only delivered 30 million doses in Q1 2021. Whereas she says their contract spoke of four times that amount, and Q2 is predicting a further 110 million shortfall. We understand there are valid arguments on both sides. However, vaccination should be the winner surely?
Europe May Ditch Astra-Zeneca in Favor of BioNTech and Moderna
French Industry Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher earlier hinted on Friday Europe may ditch Astra-Zeneca and Johnson and Johnson too. That because discussions were ongoing with BioNTech / Pfizer and Moderna only.
As she explained, ‘Pfizer-BioNTech had shown to be reliable partners. Who have honored their commitments and have reacted quickly with regard to our needs.’
European Union could be a key customer to have on your side, because of international networks and extensive aid programs. We are pleased to see supply competition ramping up. That’s because increasing demand has tended to keep prices high in developing countries. And we need the rest of the world to vaccinate too.
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Preview Image: Doses Administered Per 100 People
