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<keyword id="1334" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="China">China</keyword> has officially joined the World Health Organization's (<keyword id="6366244" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="who">WHO</keyword>) COVAX alliance to equitably distribute COVID-19 vaccines around the globe, ending speculation that it wants to supply them on its own to developing countries for its diplomatic agenda. According to the WHO, countries should join the COVID-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX Facility) by September 18 but not later than October 9 with upfront payments. "On October 8, China and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, signed an agreement, officially joining COVAX," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a statement on Friday. "This is an important step China has taken to uphold the concept of a shared community of health for all and to honour its commitment to turn COVID-19 vaccines into a global public good," she said, apparently refuting reports that China plans to distribute the vaccines to developing countries on its own ahead of developed countries. WHO announced in August that "172 economies are now engaged in discussions to potentially participate in COVAX, a global initiative aimed at working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines, once they are licensed and approved". China has already promised access and loans for potential vaccines to a number of lower and middle-income nations - a move the Chinese leadership may see as a better bet for its diplomatic agenda than joining the WHO-backed scheme, Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on September 23. Elaborating on China's decision to join the global alliance, Hua said in her statement, "currently, the COVID-19 pandemic still poses a severe threat to the safety and health of people in all countries". "China continues to focus on ensuring that developing countries have equal access to appropriate, safe and effective vaccines. To that end, we have solemnly pledged to make vaccines developed and deployed by China a global public good, which will be provided to developing countries as a priority," she said. "Therefore, China has maintained close communication with COVAX with a positive attitude towards joining it. Even when China is leading the world with several vaccines in advanced stages of R&amp;D and with ample production capacity, it still decided to join COVAX," she said. "We are taking this concrete step to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, especially to developing countries, and hope more capable countries will also join and support COVAX. China will also strengthen vaccine cooperation with relevant countries through the COVAX network," she said. "China will continue to work together with COVAX partners and contribute its share to the global fight against the pandemic to safeguard all human beings' safety and health," she said. China has roped in more than a dozen countries to conduct the final phase trials of Chinese-made experimental COVID-19 vaccines and even started vaccinating thousands of emergency workers, according to official media reports here. Yang Sheng, Deputy Director of the National Medical Products Administration's drug registration bureau, said four China-developed COVID-19 vaccines have begun the final stage of human trials overseas after obtaining approval from foreign authorities. China has been focusing on developing five types of vaccines, and each method has at least one entering clinical trials. In total, 11 vaccine candidates are in different stages of testing, Yang has been quoted by the official media earlier. Zheng Zhongwei, head of China's vaccine development task force said China's annual capacity to make COVID-19 vaccines was expected to reach 610 million doses this year and one billion doses by 2021. WHO said nine candidate vaccines are currently being evaluated for inclusion in the COVAX Facility. They include two from China, two from the US, one from Republic of Korea, one from the the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and one global, multi-manufacture partnership. Two of these are in Phase I trials, two are tech transfers and the remainder are at the discovery stage. WHO said earlier that a collaboration between Serum Institute of India (SII), Gavi and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation will ensure up to 100 million doses of AstraZeneca or Novavax's candidate vaccines. "If successful, (the vaccines) will be available to low- and middle-income economies through the COVAX Facility at just USD 3 per dose. The arrangement also provides an option to secure additional doses if COVAX sees a need for it," a WHO announcement in August said. SEE ALSO: <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="78567276" title="'US could have enough COVID-19 vaccine doses for every American by March'" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div>

China joins WHO's COVAX alliance for global distribution of its COVID-19 vaccines

The Pune based vaccines manufacturer <keyword id="95879" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Serum-Institute-of-India" source="Orion">Serum Institute of India</keyword> (SII) has got the nod to export <keyword id="9156974" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Covid-vaccines" source="Orion">Covid vaccines</keyword> under the COVAX programme, said a source on Monday. The ministry has allowed SII to export 50 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine Covishield to the COVAX, an UN Global body. COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the <keyword id="43588" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization" source="Orion">World Health Organization</keyword> that aims to accelerate the development and manufacture of Covid vaccines. Covax facility was created to ensure global equitable access to <keyword id="9078985" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="COVID-19-vaccines" source="Orion">Covid-19 vaccines</keyword> after the outbreak of Covid pandemic. The first batch of the vaccines will be exported to Nepal, Tajikistan and Mozambique, official sources said. The SII will also export Covishield to Bangladesh under COVAX. The Serum Institute can begin the vaccine export from November 23. Union Health Minister <keyword id="2607815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mansukh-Mandaviya" source="Orion">Mansukh Mandaviya</keyword> had announced that India will be resuming export of vaccines under Vaccine Maitri in the fourth quarter starting from October. He had said that vaccine export will resume to fulfill the commitment of India towards COVAX in line with the motto 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. India stopped the Covid-19 vaccines in April this year after a severe surge in Covid case during the second wave to jab its own population. However, prior to the export ban, India had either sold or donated 66 million doses to nearly 100 countries. While announcing to resume the vaccine exports under Vaccine Maitri program, the Health Minister said that the surplus supply of vaccines will be used to fulfill the commitment towards the world for the collective fight against Covid-19. While India has achieved 82 per cent vaccination coverage for the first dose, the second vaccine coverage remains under 60 per cent. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/latent-view-ipo-may-list-on-a-positive-note-despite-a-weak-market/articleshow/87850476.cms">Latent View IPO that got bigger traction than Paras Defence may list on a positive note despite a weak market</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/investment/news/which-crypto-to-buy-today-amid-crypto-market-crash-depends-on-the-type-of-investor-you-are/articleshow/87849963.cms">Crypto market sees red — where you invest next will depend on the kind of crypto investor you are</a>

Serum Institute of India gets nod to export COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX programme, says source

<ul><li>The United States will stay away from international efforts to develop and distribute Covid-19 vaccine due to its association with the World Health Organization (WHO), the White House has said.</li><li>The decision on Tuesday not to participate in the "COVAX" initiative marks further deterioration of the <keyword id="6354484" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Donald-Trump">Donald Trump</keyword> administration's relations with the UN health agency.</li><li>The COVAX initiative was formed with the aim of working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines, once they are licensed and approved. </li></ul>The United States will stay away from international efforts to develop and distribute Covid-19 vaccine due to its association with the World Health Organization (WHO), the White House has said. The decision on Tuesday not to participate in the "COVAX" initiative marks further deterioration of the Donald <keyword id="6354862" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="trump">Trump</keyword> administration's relations with the UN health agency. "The United States will continue to engage our international partners to ensure we defeat this virus, but we will not be constrained by multilateral organizations influenced by the corrupt World Health Organization and China," Judd Deere, a spokesman for the White House, was quoted as saying in a statement by Forbes. The COVAX initiative was formed with the aim of working with vaccine manufacturers to provide countries worldwide equitable access to safe and effective vaccines, once they are licensed and approved. More than 170 economies are now engaged in discussions to potentially participate in the initiative which currently has one of the world's largest Covid-19 vaccine portfolios -- including nine candidate vaccines, with a further nine under evaluation and conversations underway with other major producers. It is co-led by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the WHO. The European Commission on Monday confirmed its interest to participate in the COVAX facility and announced a contribution of 400 million euros ($478 million) to the initiative. In early April, Trump lashed out at the WHO for its response to the outbreak. He accused the UN health agency of downplaying the severity of the pandemic in the beginning for its "China-centric" approach and froze US funding to the organisation. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/telecom/news/airtel-wants-to-increase-data-prices-to-100-per-gb-sunil-mittal-asks-subscribers-to-prepare-to-pay-a-lot-more/articleshow/77734318.cms">Airtel wants to increase data prices to ₹100 per GB, founder Sunil Mittal asks subscribers to ‘prepare to pay a lot more’</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-china-talks-brigade-commanders-sit-down-to-discuss-pangong-tso-incident-again-today/articleshow/77884173.cms">Day three of India-China talks — Brigade Commanders sit down to discuss Pangong Tso incident again today</a>

US won't participate in global COVID-19 vaccine effort led by WHO

<ul class="summary-list"><li>So far, 156 countries have signed on to Covax, a WHO-backed effort to develop and distribute <keyword id="1754604" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="coronavirus">coronavirus</keyword> vaccines.</li><li>The Trump administration has said the US won't participate, however, and China is also opting out. </li><li>Health experts are concerned that the US's absence from Covax could hinder the country's access to vaccines developed in other countries. </li></ul>In recent weeks, 156 countries have <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/detail/21-09-2020-boost-for-global-response-to-covid-19-as-economies-worldwide-formally-sign-up-to-covax-facility">formally signed</a> on to Covax, a major effort spearheaded by the <keyword id="43588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization">World Health Organization</keyword> to develop, manufacture, and distribute coronavirus vaccines.China and the US, however, both opted out.Instead, the two countries are focusing on funding <keyword id="24209" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="vaccine">vaccine</keyword> research and development on their own, then striking deals with manufacturers to buy the resulting shots.But Covax is the only global initiative that aims to ensure a vaccine reaches vulnerable people in poorer nations. The countries that have signed on represent 64% of the global population, and 64 of them are wealthier nations like Canada, Germany, and Saudi Arabia.The US and China's lack of involvement could hamper the program's efforts, experts say. "With major countries like the US and China sitting on the sidelines, Covax won't have the financing and political muscle to assure global equity," Lawrence Gostin, a global health law professor at Georgetown University, <a href="https://www.vox.com/21448719/covid-19-vaccine-covax-who-gavi-cepi">told Vox</a>.He added: "I still foresee millions of poor people not having rapid and affordable access to a <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> vaccine."<div type="image" title="World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus." height="853" width="1280" msid="77920046" hostid="261"></div>President Donald Trump's administration has been vocal about its distrust of the <keyword id="6366244" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="who">WHO</keyword>, calling the organization's coronavirus response "China-centric." In May, Trump announced the US would pull its funding and membership from the organization.But the decision to go it alone could come back to bite the US if its own domestic vaccine candidates fail, since opting out of Covax could limit the US's access to vaccines developed by other countries and to manufacturing facilities abroad. "It's a double-edged sword," Jennifer Huang Bouey, an epidemiologist and senior policy researcher at Rand Corp., told Business Insider. "It hurts the US, and it also probably hurts Covax."<h2>The US is betting on less-established types of vaccines</h2>Globally, developers are testing <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-01221-y">at least eight types of vaccines</a>. The most established kinds involve inactivated or attenuated vaccines — which rely on injections of weakened or inactivated virus to generate an immune response — and subunit vaccines, which inject specific pieces of a pathogen that stimulate the immune system.The two strongest candidates in this traditional area so far are from the Chinese companies Sinopharm and Sinovac. Both are in phase-three trials, but neither is part of Covax.However, the initiative does have traditional candidates in clinical trials, including those from the University of Queensland in Australia and Clover Biopharmaceuticals in China. (Clover joined Covax independently even though China hasn't.)With its refusal to participate in COVAX, the US "basically let go of the most traditional, most mature technology — that's a risk," Bouey said.That's because the US's two strongest candidates so far, from Moderna and a Pfizer-BioNTech collaboration, are mRNA vaccines, a type <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-phase-3-clinical-trial-2020-7">that's never before been approved by the Food and Drug Administration</a>. These vaccines use a technology called messenger RNA to create doses using only a virus' genetic code.<div type="image" title="Moderna coronavirus vaccine trial participant" height="3693" width="5566" msid="77920050" hostid="261"></div>If successful, mRNA vaccines could be easier to produce and more effective than traditional ones, since they may prompt a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-phase-3-clinical-trial-2020-7">stronger immune response</a> and don't need to be incubated the way traditional vaccines do. But that's a big if — there's a possibility the mRNA vaccines will trigger inadequate immune responses or come with harmful side effects.Moderna has joined Covax independently.<h2>The US could lose access to international manufacturing</h2>A big challenge authorities around the world are still tackling is how to manufacture and distribute a vaccine after it's been proven safe and effective. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation — a foundation that funds vaccine research and is one of Covax's main backers — <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-cepi-vaccines-excl/exclusive-vaccine-alliance-finds-manufacturing-capacity-for-4-billion-doses-of-coronavirus-vaccines-idUSKBN23V3D0">announced in June</a> that it had identified enough vaccine manufacturers to produce 4 billion doses in a year.The US's refusal to participate means it may lack access to that infrastructure."It's really just US versus all these other countries," Bouey said. "The US will be left on its own."<div type="image" title="FILE PHOTO: Fujifilm's company logo (top) is seen at its exhibition hall nearby the headquarters of Fujifilm Holdings Corp in Tokyo, Japan June 12, 2017. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon/File Photo" height="3403" width="4937" msid="77920065" hostid="261"></div>The US's absence could limit Covax's manufacturing capacity as well, since the initiative could distribute more vaccines if it had access to more American facilities. <h2>The US's economy and reputation could suffer</h2>Even in a best-case scenario in which the US creates a successful vaccine, the country could suffer economic repercussions if it hoards all the doses, or if its supply chain can't effectively distribute extra doses worldwide.That's because countries without a vaccine would continue to struggle with the economic impacts of COVID-19, and their economic fates are intertwined with the US's. "We will continue to suffer the economic consequences — lost US jobs — if the pandemic rages unabated in allies and trading partners," Thomas Bollyky, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/coronavirus-vaccine-trump/2020/09/01/b44b42be-e965-11ea-bf44-0d31c85838a5_story.html">told The Washington Post earlier this month</a>.Then there are larger long-term questions about the US's global reputation as a public-health leader, Bouey said."Even during the height of the Cold War, US and Soviet Union scientists <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5444589/">were working collaboratively with WHO</a> on eradicating polio in 1950s to 1980s," she said. "Right now, in the middle of the COVID pandemic, the US is really changing the track."Hilary Brueck contributed reporting.This story has been updated with new information. It was originally published September 3, 2020.

156 countries joined a major, WHO-led effort to develop and distribute coronavirus vaccines. The US and China aren't among them.

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="11935793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="north-korea" source="Orion">North Korea</keyword> has rejected about 3 million doses of China's Sinovac Biotech vaccine, asking for them to be sent to countries that need them more.</li><li>The isolated kingdom had also previously rejected almost 2 million AstraZeneca vaccines due to the potential of rare but severe blood clots. </li><li>The country has so far reported zero cases of <keyword id="11893994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19" source="Orion">COVID-19</keyword> but has imposed tough restrictions and hard border closures.</li></ul>North Korea has rejected about 3 million doses of China's Sinovac Biotech vaccine, asking for them to be sent to other countries that have been harder hit by the coronavirus, said UNICEF Tuesday, according to <a href="https://www.voanews.com/covid-19-pandemic/n-korea-rejects-covid-vaccines-saying-hard-hit-nations-have-greater-need">Voice of America</a> (VOA). The United Nations Children's agency coordinated the vaccine shipment under the <a href="https://www.who.int/initiatives/act-accelerator/covax">UN-backed COVAX program</a>, which works to ensure poorer nations are not left behind in the COVID-19 vaccination race. "The DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) has communicated that the 2.97 million doses being offered to DPR Korea by COVAX may be relocated to severely affected countries in view of the limited global supply of COVID-19 vaccines and recurrent surge in some countries," a UNICEF spokesperson told VOA in an email Tuesday.The spokesperson added that "MOPH has said it will continue to communicate with the COVAX facility to receive COVID-19 vaccines in the coming months."Earlier this year, the COVAX program had planned to send nearly 2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to North Korea. However, the batches were rejected in July due to worries over incidences of rare but serious blood clots among those who received the vaccine, reported <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nkorea-rejected-astrazenecas-covid-19-vaccine-over-side-effects-says-think-tank-2021-07-09/">Reuters</a>.The isolated kingdom is also skeptical of the efficacy of Chinese-made vaccines, the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) told <a href="https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210709007100325">Yonhap News</a>. The South Korean think tank said North Korea prefers Russia's Sputnik V vaccine but wants it to be provided free of cost. North Korea has reported zero COVID-19 cases, but experts have <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/30/world/asia/north-korea-covid.html">expressed skepticism</a> at the accuracy of their numbers. In June, North Korean leader<a href="https://www.insider.com/kim-jong-un-bashes-officials-for-great-pandemic-crisis-2021-6"> Kim Jong Un blasted North Korean officials</a> for their "chronic irresponsibility and incompetence" handling the pandemic, signaling that the virus may have reached the country.

North Korea rejects almost 3 million doses of Sinovac vaccine, saying it should be given to countries that need it more

<ul><li><keyword id="95879" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Serum-Institute-of-India">Serum Institute of India</keyword> (SII) to accelerate the manufacture and delivery of up to 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for India and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).</li><li>The collaboration will provide upfront capital to SII to help them increase manufacturing capacity now so that, once a vaccine, or vaccines, gains regulatory approval and WHO prequalification, doses can be produced at scale for distribution to India and LMIC as part of the Gavi COVAX AMC mechanism as early as the first half of 2021.</li><li>The funding will support at-risk manufacturing by SII for candidate vaccines from AstraZeneca and Novavax, which will be available for procurement if they are successful in attaining full licensure and WHO Prequalification.</li></ul> Serum Institute of India (SII), the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer by volume, has entered into a new landmark partnership with Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation, to accelerate the manufacture and delivery of up to 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines for India and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The collaboration will provide upfront capital to SII to help them increase manufacturing capacity now so that, once a vaccine, or vaccines, gains regulatory approval and WHO prequalification, doses can be produced at scale for distribution to India and LMIC as part of the Gavi COVAX AMC mechanism as early as the first half of 2021. The funding will support at-risk manufacturing by SII for candidate vaccines from AstraZeneca and Novavax, which will be available for procurement if they are successful in attaining full licensure and WHO Prequalification. SII has set an affordable ceiling price of $3 per dose. The arrangement also provides an option to secure additional doses if the vaccines pillar of the ACT Accelerator sees a need for it. "In an attempt to make our fight against COVID-19 stronger and all-embracing; SII has partnered with Gavi and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation to advance the manufacturing and delivery of up to 100 million doses of future COVID vaccines for India and low and middle income countries in 2021," said Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India. "The rampant spread of the virus has rendered the entire world in an unimaginable halt of uncertainty. And to ensure maximum immunization coverage and contain the pandemic, it is important to make sure that the most remote and poorest countries of the world have access to affordable cure and preventive measures. Through this association, we seek to ramp up our constant efforts to save the lives of millions of people from this dreadful disease." SII shares a long history of successful partnerships with Gavi and pharmaceutical companies to manufacture vaccines that protect against meningitis, severe diarrhoea, pneumonia and measles. This collaboration further underscores India's proven-track record in developing safe and quality vaccines. Renu Swarup, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology said, "India has a proven track record of manufacturing safe and cost-effective vaccines not only for India, but for the world. Over the last decade, Government of India has encouraged innovation, and supported the Indian vaccine industry to manufacture high quality, affordable indigenous tools and products to benefit India and the world. We are very happy to see SII enter this global partnership to respond to the global health crisis posed by Covid-19." Balram Bhargava, Director General of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), commented, "India's has demonstrated consistent capability in delivering on low-cost and high-quality medical research, while also maintaining technical and scientific rigour. ICMR is deeply supportive of our cutting edge vaccine research and manufacturing prowess, of which SII is one prominent example. This partnership signifies yet another step in India's efforts to bolster the fight against this global pandemic." The Gavi Covax AMC, which is currently seeking at least US$ 2 billion in initial seed funding, will meet at least part of the cost of procurement for the vaccine doses. Last week the Gavi Board agreed the final list of 92 countries that will be supported by the AMC. Under the new collaboration, AstraZeneca's candidate vaccine, if successful, will be available to 57 Gavi-eligible countries. Novavax's candidate, if successful, will be available to all 92 countries supported by the AMC The collaboration between Gavi, SII, and the Gates Foundation supports the efforts of the ACT Accelerator's vaccines pillar, also known as COVAX, co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and the World Health Organization (WHO), to accelerate the development of COVID-19 vaccines and ensure rapid, global access to them. Decisions around investment in manufacturing are taken in close collaboration between these three lead organisations of the COVAX pillar. Under the COVAX umbrella, Gavi is leading the COVAX Facility, which provides governments with the opportunity to benefit from a large portfolio of COVID-19 candidate vaccines using a range of technology platforms, produced by more manufacturers across the world, with a bigger market to provide security of demand. The Facility is reinforced by the AMC which provides funding for vaccines for lower income countries. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/the-beirut-explosion-created-a-huge-mushroom-cloud-and-visible-blast-wave-but-nuclear-weapons-experts-say-it-wasnt-an-atomic-blast-heres-why-/articleshow/77362144.cms">The Beirut explosion created a huge mushroom cloud and visible blast wave, but nuclear weapons experts say it wasn't an atomic bomb. Here's why.</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/microsoft-for-startups-lathika-pai-says-entrepreneurs-pitching-for-investments-need-to-have-this-one-question-answered-in-their-pitch-decks/articleshow/77352935.cms">Microsoft for Startups’ Lathika Pai says entrepreneurs pitching for investments need to have this one question answered in their pitch decks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/careers/news/linkedin-tcs-disney-hotstar-zee-and-other-companies-hiring-right-now-in-india/slidelist/77352775.cms">LinkedIn, TCS, Disney+ Hotstar, Zee and other companies hiring right now in India</a>

Serum Institute of India to produce 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for less than ₹250 a dose

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> blocked exports of AstraZeneca COVID-19 <keyword id="24209" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="vaccine">vaccine</keyword> made there, perhaps for months.</li><li>It is likely to disrupt the rollout of vaccine to poorer countries via the COVAX scheme.</li><li>India's biggest vaccine-maker also delayed recent batches meant for the UK and Brazil.</li></ul>India has blocked all major exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine to boost domestic supply, the latest move by a country to stop doses from leaving its borders.This could disrupt the rollout of vaccines to poorer countries via the COVAX scheme, which had been counting on Indian-made doses.The Serum Institute of India is a major provider of vaccines to COVAX, the WHO-backed initiative aimed at fair distribution of the vaccine to poorer countries.The Institute said that it was told to halt all exports of the vaccine, in a move that could last "two to three months," <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/5349389c-8313-41e0-9a67-58274e24a019">the Financial Times reported</a> on Thursday. Reuters reported that India <a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-india-vaccine-excl-idUSKBN2BG3FV">will also likely delay</a> delivery of the doses expected by COVAX for March and April "following a setback in securing export licenses," according to an email from UNICEF. The Serum Institute of India has promised 200 million doses to COVAX, half of which are the AstraZeneca vaccine, but for now has only dispatched 17.7 million, the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-55571793">BBC reported on Thursday</a>.The move is "due to the increased demand of Covid-19 vaccines in India," a spokesperson for Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, <a href="https://www.livemint.com/news/world/covax-vaccines-for-poor-countries-delayed-by-india-gavi-11616669721908.html">told AFP.</a>This news comes as India is seeing a sharp increase in <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-56480474">COVID-19 cases</a> and is ramping up its vaccination rollout. The government announced on Tuesday that it would expand vaccination to everyone <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/from-april-1-anyone-over-45-can-get-covid-shot/articleshow/81660979.cms">over the age of 45 from April 1</a>. Covishield, India's local name for the AstraZeneca vaccine, is one of two vaccines approved in the country. The other is Covaxin, which is manufacturers by Bharat Biotech.The Serum Institute of India is the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, and produces both Covishield and the Novovax vaccine. India has exported over 60 million doses of vaccine to 76 countries, most of which are AstraZeneca vaccine, the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-56513371">BBC reported</a>. It has also promised more than 900 million doses of the vaccine in bilateral commercial deals, the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-55571793">BBC reported</a>. The move prompts questions about potential supply issues.The Serum Institute of India has recently delayed delivery of 5 million doses of AstraZeneca <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-56438629">doses meant for the UK</a>.Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Morocco were also told to expect delays, the <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sii-fails-to-deliver-new-delhis-vaccine-diplomacy-hits-hurdle/articleshow/81610596.cms">Times of India reported on Sunday</a> due to <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-55753586">a fire</a> in a manufacturing facility in January. The Serum Institute of India and the WHO have previously warned that manufacturers of COVID-19 vaccines face a shortage of raw materials essential for vaccine manufacturing, in part due to a <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-55571793">US ban on export of some products</a>.

India is blocking exports of AstraZeneca vaccines to use for itself, disrupting vaccine rollouts in other countries

<ul><li>The CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII) Adar Poonawalla told CNBC-TV18 that a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine being developed by the Oxford University and AstraZeneca would cost the government $3 — around ₹222. </li><li>For private individuals looking to procure the COVID-19 out of their own pocket, it will cost ₹1,000 for both doses. </li><li>He also revealed that the vaccine orders would first be opened to India and the World Health Organisation's COVAX before engaging in bilateral discussions with any other country. </li></ul>The success of the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/oxford-and-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-is-70-effective-and-india-may-authorise-emergency-use-after-uk-nod/articleshow/79365393.cms">Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine</a> means that it may soon be available in India. The CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII), the company conducting the clinical trials of the vaccine in India, told CNBC-TV18 that a single dose would cost the government $3 (around ₹222). Those looking to buy the vaccine out of their own pocket will have to pay ₹1,000, but for both doses. <div type="twitter" handle="CNBCTV18Live" handlename="CNBC-TV18" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/633210816485965824/0cQi0eZS_normal.jpg" favoritecount="20" retweetcount="2" status="#CNBCTV18Exclusive | @adarpoonawalla says will hold capacities in bulk form, will progress to fill finished only po… https://t.co/m9W8nwuuAl" createdat="1606137764000" id="1330864358587396096"></div> The vaccine has shown an average of 70% efficacy. Among the two dosage regimes, one showed efficacy of 90% while the other only gave 62% efficacy. In order to figure which one of the two works better for the Indian population will have to wait till mid-December when the results come in from clinical trials being conducted in the country. India and COVAX get preference for Oxford’s COVID-19 vaccine AstraZeneca is targeting to supply 100 million dosages per month, with a total of 400 million dosages by July 2021. SII is currently in the process of committing capacities to India and the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) COVAX facility — bilateral talks with other countries will come later. Poonawalla also revealed that SII would be applying for approval from the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to start giving out the COVID-19 vaccine to the masses. Simultaneously, the company is also trying to get approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in India. Poonawalla is hopeful that SII will obtain an emergency license before the end of the year. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/oxford-and-astrazeneca-covid-19-vaccine-is-70-effective-and-india-may-authorise-emergency-use-after-uk-nod/articleshow/79365393.cms">Oxford and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is 70% effective — India may authorise emergency use after UK nod</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/indusind-bank-idfc-first-bank-and-jk-bank-stocks-are-soaring-after-rbi-recommendation/articleshow/79363915.cms">IndusInd Bank surges over 4% after RBI committee proposes to increase the cap on promoter stake in private sector banks</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/how-to-earn-money-at-home-from-googles-task-mate/articleshow/79362215.cms">Google is testing ‘Task Mate’ in India, which lets users earn money for doing tasks on their smartphones</a>

The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine will only cost the Indian government $3 per dose, reveals Adar Poonawalla

Geneva, The <keyword id="43588" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="World-Health-Organization">World Health Organization</keyword> (WHO) has listed two versions of the AstraZeneca/Oxford Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use including the one produced by the <keyword id="95879" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Serum-Institute-of-India">Serum Institute of India</keyword>. The other version is produced by AstraZeneca-SKBio (<keyword id="105814" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Republic-of-Korea">Republic of Korea</keyword>), the WHO said on Monday. The approval of these vaccines means giving the green light for them to be rolled out globally through COVAX. It also allows countries to expedite their own regulatory approval to import and administer Covid-19 vaccines. "Countries with no access to vaccines to date will finally be able to start vaccinating their health workers and populations at risk, contributing to the COVAX Facility's goal of equitable vaccine distribution," Mariangela Simao, WHO Assistant-Director General for Access to Medicines and Health Products, said in a statement. 'But we must keep up the pressure to meet the needs of priority populations everywhere and facilitate global access. To do that, we need two things -- a scale-up of manufacturing capacity, and developers' early submission of their vaccines for WHO review." In the case of the two AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccines, WHO assessed the quality, safety and efficacy data, risk management plans and programmatic suitability, such as cold chain requirements. The process took under four weeks. The AstraZeneca/Oxford product is a viral vectored vaccine called ChAdOx1-S (recombinant). It is being produced at several manufacturing sites, as well as in the Republic of Korea and India. ChAdOx1-S has been found to have 63.09 per cent efficacy and is suitable for low- and middle-income countries due to easy storage requirements. The WHO earlier approved the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use. --IANS gb/in

WHO approves AstraZeneca-Oxford's COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use

<ul><li>Shares of <keyword id="323030" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Novavax">Novavax</keyword> jumped 8% on Friday after the company announced that it would supply over 1.1 billion doses of its <keyword id="8904563" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword>.</li><li>The company late Thursday <a href="https://ir.novavax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/novavax-announces-memorandum-understanding-gavi-cumulative">unveiled</a> a memorandum of understanding with GAVI to provide its vaccine in a push to guarantee fair and equitable distribution.</li><li>The company's vaccine was the first to <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=AiJclBZrYDBfwiSEJwnLFviyjqab-XD0_EgY43rU4NvHfCdo9QXSHl_TlhBGq_61oZ_8DpkLCOmdY5ktnjck1fAL4OUCclxKzvu3e53QMakICRPlxv7GYDSEZCIussNf6LMeTxuG2kx33JBDcfBWrpx9GH3nHNhw5cv2-58M1S_G9ICi1GutaKATZMN3fifzz1oUAP-2x3weZ0_FViRvjHme7m5_07v0Xu8ERvdhFzMfI2U7APteFnwW0NrhnWqjQ81-qLoMQfuwxA8acMVbfYa0Qb1InMFAF7dhW5Xq7q0s8g-cNr4O5XO9TVZG-gFZ5jLxOym5DS2rQ_vnt1CFgMstKglWmqCpox26EQlDVs2fbgvhZr7Or7DUnROU4aAnKJeCeDl3bvBqXVxggOnkAA==">demonstrate </a>clinical efficacy against both the original strain of <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword> and emerging variants in other countries. </li><li><a href="https://newsletter.businessinsider.com/join/4np/10-things-opening-bell">Sign up here for our daily newsletter, 10 Things Before the Opening Bell</a></li></ul>Shares of Novavax jumped 8% on Friday after the biotech firm announced that it would supply over 1.1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines as part of a global initiative. The Gaithersburg, Maryland-based company late Thursday <a href="https://ir.novavax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/novavax-announces-memorandum-understanding-gavi-cumulative">unveiled</a> a memorandum of understanding with GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization, to provide its vaccine to the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) initiative in a global push to guarantee fair and equitable vaccine distribution.<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=sMDYPUfxsD5oT4IQx_H3-v1EM9iBg9G7aR1iR0_xkbQ23d1bPdpOMogm9dLRkTQFGahBZg9zM2SPFhDIZLee4Gza7eBhb-KBxMWhG4bD_09lPTWzK2XwYDAOsN-YmT-Fr7vfwDDJYsU8ecWR_xWM3s0i56Q2AvuiNlro2azzzallw8bfnidcdhJTC8c5qaUxKmhOqP_yhhRvjRllBrlFf5KMgBcBMLPxDVEENukHT91-m4tvoMlsgwmqh86nIcLVy_-NTohBN2gzHKUmTunRuZEajO8pY7cjjdceJs4sjY0VQMfcE4v0oVy8e-e49bt7jrmnIgERsbL25_RNKdEThBrY5JCIFx54CUJMscTOx7NKAs-a0Bz5uSBD-l6aAU8BZMfz7M9NfG_kutk0iuHtLJXNYt-xVu8OE-R6Hy2zkNxMPgzqfV_HdhO_37MgrW5LusdasteIeDVnjD2uKpGSYbuliSlG-WB291Emiu4cp6U0pJmkKj6csK-VXevyZur6CDYp9tXpg4WGY1ASPf_htIWd6ZjXy9nh0BLliPxopEV6xnGa5AYX32PFlFC1-q31">COVAX</a> is a global vaccine initiative led by the GAVI, the World Health Organization, and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. Its goal is to distribute vaccines, especially in low- and middle-income countries.On January 28, Novavax said its coronavirus vaccine was<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/novavax-vaccine-trial-results-in-uk-and-south-africa-2021-1"> nearly 90% effective </a>in a phase three trial conducted in the UK, but was not as successful against the variant first found in South Africa, with an efficacy rate of only 49.4% among 44 cases in the country.Still, the company's vaccine, NVX-CoV2373, was the first to <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=AiJclBZrYDBfwiSEJwnLFviyjqab-XD0_EgY43rU4NvHfCdo9QXSHl_TlhBGq_61oZ_8DpkLCOmdY5ktnjck1fAL4OUCclxKzvu3e53QMakICRPlxv7GYDSEZCIussNf6LMeTxuG2kx33JBDcfBWrpx9GH3nHNhw5cv2-58M1S_G9ICi1GutaKATZMN3fifzz1oUAP-2x3weZ0_FViRvjHme7m5_07v0Xu8ERvdhFzMfI2U7APteFnwW0NrhnWqjQ81-qLoMQfuwxA8acMVbfYa0Qb1InMFAF7dhW5Xq7q0s8g-cNr4O5XO9TVZG-gFZ5jLxOym5DS2rQ_vnt1CFgMstKglWmqCpox26EQlDVs2fbgvhZr7Or7DUnROU4aAnKJeCeDl3bvBqXVxggOnkAA==">demonstrate </a>clinical efficacy against both the original strain of COVID-19 and the emerging variants in other countries. NVX-CoV2373 can neither cause COVID-19 nor can it replicate, and is shipped in a ready-to-use liquid formulation that stays stable from 2°C to 8°C, the temperature of a refrigerator."This agreement brings the COVAX Facility one step closer to its goal of supplying vaccines globally and ending the acute phase of the pandemic," Dr. Seth Berkley, CEO of GAVI, <a href="https://ir.novavax.com/news-releases/news-release-details/novavax-announces-memorandum-understanding-gavi-cumulative">said in a statement</a>. "It helps us close in on our goal of delivering two billion doses in 2021 and increases the range of vaccines available to us as we build a portfolio suitable for all settings and contexts."Public health experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of the vaccine. Dr. Anthony Fauci on Wednesday said there's new evidence that a <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/how-long-it-takes-covid-19-vaccine-to-work-2021-1">COVID-19 vaccine</a> may not only protect vaccinated people but also those with whom they come in contact."There have been some studies that are pointing into a very favorable direction," Fauci, the director of the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fauci-vaccines-may-decrease-spread-of-covid-lower-viral-load-2021-2">during a White House COVID-19 briefing</a>.Many US states have faced logistical challenges in distributing the COVID-19 vaccine. The country is administering 1.6 million doses a day, though experts say the <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/17/world/the-biden-administrations-been-cautious-in-its-public-vaccination-goals-but-experts-make-a-case-to-speed-things-up.html">daily goal</a> should be three million.Shares of Novavax traded at $284.92 at 10:56AM E.T. Friday.

Novavax jumps 10% on deal to provide over 1 billion doses of its COVID-19 vaccine globally

Washington, Nearly a quarter of the world's population may not have access to a <keyword id="8904563" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="covid-19-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccine</keyword> until at least 2022, according to a study published in The BMJ on Wednesday which warns that vaccines will be as challenging to deliver as they were to develop. Another study in the same journal estimates that 3.7 billion adults worldwide are willing to have a COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the importance of designing fair and equitable strategies to ensure that supply can meet demand, especially in low and <keyword id="1226877" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="middle-income-countries">middle income countries</keyword>. These findings together suggest that the operational challenges of the global COVID-19 vaccination programme will be at least as difficult as the scientific challenges associated with their development. In the first study, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in the US analysed pre-orders for COVID-19 vaccines ahead of their regulatory approval that had been publicly announced by countries around the world. "This study provides an overview of how high income countries have secured future supplies of COVID-19 vaccines, but that access for the rest of the world is uncertain," the researchers said. "Governments and <keyword id="59868" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Manufacturers">manufacturers</keyword> might provide much needed assurances for equitable allocation of COVID-19 vaccines through greater transparency and accountability over these arrangements," they said. The researchers noted that by November 15, 2020, several countries had reserved a total of 7.48 billion doses, or 3.76 billion courses from 13 manufacturers, out of 48 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in clinical trials. They said over half (51%) of these doses will go to high income countries, which represent 14% of the world's population, while low and middle income countries will potentially have the remainder, despite these comprising more than 85% of the world's population. If all of these vaccine candidates were successfully scaled, the total projected manufacturing capacity would be 5.96 billion courses by the end of 2021, with prices ranging from USD 6 per course to as high as USD 74 per course. Up to 40% of the vaccine courses from these manufacturers might potentially remain for low- and middle-income countries, the researchers said. However, this will depend, in part, on how high-income countries share what they procure and whether the US and Russia participate in globally coordinated efforts, they said. The researchers noted that even if all of these vaccine manufacturers were to succeed in reaching their <keyword id="10441850" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="maximum-production-capacity">maximum production capacity</keyword>, at least a fifth of the world's population would not have access to vaccines until 2022. In the second study, researchers in China and the US estimated target populations for whom vaccines would be required, to help guide development of fair and equitable allocation strategies across the globe. They found that target population sizes for COVID-19 vaccination vary widely by <keyword id="10441849" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="geographical-region">geographical region</keyword>, vaccine objectives, such as maintaining essential core services, reducing severe COVID-19, and stopping virus transmission, and the impact of vaccine hesitancy in reducing demand. The researchers point to evidence suggesting that around 68% of the global population (3.7 billion adults) is willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, and say their findings "provide an evidence base for global, regional, and national vaccine prioritisation and allocation." "Variations in the size of the target populations within and between regions emphasise the tenuous balance between vaccine demand and supply, especially in low and middle income countries without sufficient capacity to meet domestic demand for COVID-19 vaccine" they said. Both studies are observational, and the researchers acknowledge the implications of uncertainty and incomplete information for their analyses. The findings illustrate the considerable scale and complexity of manufacturing, purchasing, distributing, and administering COVID-19 vaccines in a way that meets global needs, and does so equitably among nations and populations, the researchers said. Jason Schwartz at Yale School of Public Health noted in a linked editorial that many countries have already shown a commitment to equitable global access to COVID-19 vaccines by purchasing through <keyword id="9582643" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-covax-facility">the COVAX Facility</keyword> -- an initiative that invests part of the payment in vaccines for poorer countries. However, he said vigilance is required "to ensure that such aspirations are realised in the months and years ahead." SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-idbi-bank-pnb-bank-axis-bank-mm-embassy-reit-pvr-and-others/articleshow/79750662.cms">Top stocks to watch — IDBI Bank, PNB Bank, Axis Bank, M&amp;M, Embassy REIT, PVR, and others</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/india-inaugurates-new-railway-line-with-bangladesh-to-save-its-chickens-neck-from-china-on-vijay-diwas/articleshow/79750869.cms">After 55 years, India will inaugurate a new railway line with Bangladesh to save its ‘Chicken’s Neck’ from China</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/gold-loan-providers-in-india-face-a-rise-in-robberies-as-gold-prices-rise/articleshow/79752387.cms">Gold loan providers in India face a rise in robberies as gold prices rise</a>

You Searched For "the covax facility" and got 11 results

China joins WHO's COVAX alliance for global distribution of its COVID-19 vaccines

PTI

Serum Institute of India gets nod to export COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX programme, says source

IANS

US won't participate in global COVID-19 vaccine effort led by WHO

IANS

156 countries joined a major, WHO-led effort to develop and distribute coronavirus vaccines. The US and China aren't among them.

Susie Neilson

North Korea rejects almost 3 million doses of Sinovac vaccine, saying it should be given to countries that need it more

Vanessa Gu

Serum Institute of India to produce 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine for less than ₹250 a dose

IANS

India is blocking exports of AstraZeneca vaccines to use for itself, disrupting vaccine rollouts in other countries

Marianne Guenot

The Oxford COVID-19 vaccine will only cost the Indian government $3 per dose, reveals Adar Poonawalla

Prabhjote Gill

WHO approves AstraZeneca-Oxford's COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use

IANS

Novavax jumps 10% on deal to provide over 1 billion doses of its COVID-19 vaccine globally

Isabelle Lee

Nearly a quarter of the world's population may not have access to the COVID-19 vaccine until 2022, BMJ study shows

PTI

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