1. Pink Sheet
  2. >>Geography
  3. >>Europe

Coronavirus Notebook: EU Publishes AstraZeneca Vaccine Contract, Implements Export Authorization Scheme

 
• By Ian Schofield

The AZ vaccine gets the regulatory go-ahead for use in the EU and the European Medicines Agency says an analysis of data on Pfizer/BioNTech’s Comirnaty has shown no new safety concerns.

Close-up image of a firm handshake between two colleagues after signing a contract
A COVID-19 vaccine contract has led to a high-profile dispute in the EU • Source: Shutterstock

Three events dominated the coronavirus headlines in Europe on Friday: the publication of the European Commission’s contract with AstraZeneca for the supply of its COVID-19 vaccine to the EU, the European Medicines Agency’s decision to recommend centralized approval of the vaccine, and a new mechanism to curb vaccine exports from the EU. The EMA's opinion on the vaccine was quickly converted by the commission into an EU marketing authorization.

Alongside these developments came news that another vaccine, from US company Novavax, had shown 95.6% efficacy against the original strain...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on Pink Sheet for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required
Start Free Trial

Already a subscriber?

More from Europe

UK-Wide Strategy Needed To Move Clinical Trial Diversity Plans To Next Stage

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The UK’s research-based pharma industry and medical research charities have set out clear action points to drive greater diversity and inclusion in clinical trials.

Blenrep’s Comeback Continues As England Becomes First To Fund Drug

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Blenrep, GSK’s multiple myeloma therapy, faced a major setback when it was withdrawn from the market in 2022. The drug has since made a return as a second-line therapy, and is on track to being reimbursed in England.

Pharma’s Protests Fall Flat As UK Locks In High Rebate Rates

 
• By Neena Brizmohun

Despite pushback by industry, the government is standing by its new statutory scheme rebate rates for branded medicines, including one that doubles the rate that companies must repay on the sales of newer products to the National Health Service to 31.3%.

EUCOPE Wants Simpler Manufacturing Rules And Framework For Combined Trials Under EU Biotech Act

 
• By Eliza Slawther

EU authorities must “take advantage” of the upcoming Biotech Act to reassess the bloc’s policies and “offset existing challenges” for small and midsized enterprises, trade association EUCOPE has said.

More from Geography

Recent And Upcoming FDA Advisory Committee Meetings

 
• By Sue Sutter

Recent and upcoming US FDA advisory committee meetings and a summary of the topics covered.

UK-Wide Strategy Needed To Move Clinical Trial Diversity Plans To Next Stage

 
• By Vibha Sharma

The UK’s research-based pharma industry and medical research charities have set out clear action points to drive greater diversity and inclusion in clinical trials.

Blenrep’s Comeback Continues As England Becomes First To Fund Drug

 
• By Eliza Slawther

Blenrep, GSK’s multiple myeloma therapy, faced a major setback when it was withdrawn from the market in 2022. The drug has since made a return as a second-line therapy, and is on track to being reimbursed in England.