NVX-CoV2373 could soon enter the European market for Covid-19 vaccines.
This barbaric name designates the vaccine from the American pharmaceutical company Novavax, in which Brussels has many hopes.
The European Commission announces this Wednesday that it has concluded the advance purchase of 200 million doses of its serum.
A condition now: that it be approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
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Using a technology different from those of vaccines already on the market, Novavax's vaccine could complete the European vaccine offer.
This contract "expands our vaccine portfolio by adding another protein-based vaccine, a platform that has shown promise in clinical trials," said European Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides.
"Additional protection for our population"
Under the contract with Novavax, Member States will be able to purchase up to 100 million doses of the vaccine, with an option for an additional 100 million doses during the years 2021, 2022 and 2023, once it has been completed. reviewed and approved by the EMA as safe and effective.
Member States will also be able to donate vaccines to low- and middle-income countries or redirect them to other European countries.
As variants are spreading, we need to stay vigilant.
We approved a new contract with @Novavax for 200 million doses of its vaccine, which is already being tested successfully against variants.
With our broad vaccine portfolio we protect Europeans and help vaccinate the world.
pic.twitter.com/3IQ2692CAz
- Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 4, 2021
“As new variants spread across Europe and around the world, this new contract signed with a company that is already successfully testing its vaccine against these variants provides additional protection for our population,” said Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
It further strengthens our extensive vaccine portfolio, for the benefit of Europeans and our partners around the world.
"
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After AstraZeneca, Sanofi-GSK, Janssen Pharmaceutica (Johnson & Johnson), BioNtech-Pfizer, CureVac and Moderna, the agreement with Novavax is the seventh contract of this type for the European Commission, which is negotiating on behalf of the Twenty-Seven.
The EU is also in talks with the Franco-Austrian biotech Valneva.
The European Union has already vaccinated 50% of its population, according to a count made by AFP, with vaccines from the companies BioNTech-Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson, the only ones so far approved by the EMA. A new contract was signed in early May with BioNTech-Pfizer for the purchase of 1.8 billion additional doses.
