COVID-19: “I hope the collaboration can continue beyond borders,” says vaccine maker Novavax | Economic news

The UK maker of the next coronavirus vaccine likely to be approved for general use in the UK has called on international governments to cooperate to ensure the global rollout is not interrupted by disputes.

The UK has ordered 60 million doses of Novavax vaccine, which was developed in the United States but will be produced in part by Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies at its plant in Billingham on Teesside.

Production has already started pending approval from the drug regulator, and Fujifilm Diosynth chief executive Martin Meeson told Sky News he was confident they would be able to deliver if supply chains are not interrupted.

When asked if he was concerned about the implications of the supply tensions between the EU, UK and AstraZeneca, including the threat of export bans, he said: “Obviously This is a concern and one of the things that I constantly advocate is a continued level of partnership.

“The pharmaceutical industry has done a fantastic job around the world working together to ensure that the components and drugs being manufactured are exactly where they need to be.

“I hope that collaboration can continue across borders as well as between companies.

“As you know, the pharmaceutical supply chain is currently exerting a special influence, many people are rushing to do all they can in the fight against the pandemic.

“We see part of it, but so far we are managing.”

Mr Meeson’s comments came as the European Commission threatened AstraZeneca with legal action for failing to meet its commitments to deliver up to 300 million doses of its vaccine by June.

Fujifilm Diosynth, on the other hand, is convinced that its Novavax production lenses are robust.