Negotiating a Fresh Vaccine Supply Agreement: EU Engages in Talks with Moderna

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Negotiating a Fresh Vaccine Supply Agreement: EU Engages in Talks with Moderna

In light of mounting concerns over an uptick in coronavirus infections, Brussels is actively engaged in negotiations for a novel Covid-19 vaccine procurement pact with the renowned American pharmaceutical giant, Moderna.

Paving the Way for a Robust Vaccine Response

This prospective deal is presently under negotiation between Brussels and the esteemed biotechnology conglomerate, Moderna, with the flexibility for individual member states to confirm their participation.

Widespread Interest Among EU Member States

Remarkably, no less than eight European Union member countries have expressed keen interest in participating in this fresh supply agreement. It is imperative to note that this contract exclusively pertains to messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based Covid-19 vaccines. Notably, BioNTech/Pfizer, another prominent manufacturer of mRNA vaccines, has already secured a multiyear deal with the EU.

Ensuring Long-Term Vaccine Availability

The proposed contract encompasses the supply of Covid-19 vaccine doses until the year 2026. An important facet of this agreement is that it grants national health authorities the autonomy to select the specific vaccine formulations to procure for each upcoming season. This flexibility is particularly vital as we approach the winter season, prompting vaccine manufacturers to continually adapt their vaccines to effectively combat highly mutated subvariants of the Omicron strain, currently the dominant variant.

Speedy Procurement for Member-States

Moderna has enthusiastically expressed that this agreement would constitute the “fastest route to acquiring COVID-19 vaccines for use by member states.” The urgency stems from the imminent start of vaccination campaigns in October. The European Commission recognizes the critical need for diversifying the Covid-19 vaccine supply.

Regulatory Approval and Readiness

Modern revealed that its updated Covid vaccine has already received approval for use within the European Union and is readily available for supply. Despite the pressing nature of these negotiations, both the European Commission and the Health Emergency and Response Authority, established in response to the pandemic, have not issued immediate comments regarding the ongoing talks.

Deliberating the Price Per Dose

While discussions have touched upon the price per vaccine dose, it is essential to clarify that this figure, currently estimated at approximately €25 per dose, remains subject to finalization during the negotiations. This pricing aligns with previous vaccine pricing strategies. It is noteworthy that in 2021, both Moderna and Pfizer increased their prices following phase 3 trial data that showcased higher efficacy rates for their mRNA vaccines compared to more economical options developed by Oxford/AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Price Discussions with Moderna

Notably, Moderna has chosen not to comment on the pricing details of this potential agreement. This decision maintains the confidentiality of pricing negotiations until they are concluded.

A Timely Agreement

This prospective deal comes at a critical juncture, as Pfizer currently enjoys near-monopoly status in the European Union’s Covid vaccine supply. In May, the European Commission reached a consensus with Pfizer to reduce the number of vaccines supplied to the EU. This accord put an end to tensions among member states who were previously concerned about overpayment for vaccine doses that might go unused.

In conclusion, as negotiations unfold, the European Union seeks to fortify its COVID-19 vaccine supply chain, ensuring a diverse and robust response to the ongoing pandemic.