Drugs giants GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi today neared the completed a trio of key agreements to supply their Covid-19 vaccine, amid discussions with the EU.
The pair said they are in “advanced discussions” with the European bloc to supply 300 million doses of their candidate, which uses Sanofi's recombinant protein-based technology combined with GSK's pandemic adjuvant system.
The pair last week agreed to supply the UK with 60 million doses and the US with 100 million.
The doses for the EU will be made in facilities in France, Belgium, Germany and Italy.
The duo expect to complete their research into the candidate by the end of the year, with potential regulatory approval in the first half of next year.
Thomas Triomphe, executive vice president and global head of Sanofi Pasteur, said: "Today's announcement helps to ensure that millions of Europeans will have access to a potential vaccine protecting against COVID-19, once proven safe and effective.
“It has been our steadfast commitment to provide a vaccine that is affordable and accessible to everyone, and we are grateful to the European Commission for their ongoing engagement and shared support of this effort.”
Roger Connor, president of GSK Vaccines, added: “Both companies have significant R&D and manufacturing capability in Europe and are already working hard to scale up production across our networks.”
Glaxo shares, which began the year at 1777p, rose 12p to 1541p today.
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