EU Discussing Advance Purchase of COVID-19 Vaccine with Johnson & Johnson

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyung-min] The European Union (EU) executive body, the European Commission, is reportedly engaged in preliminary discussions for the advance purchase or reservation of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine being developed by the U.S. pharmaceutical company Johnson & Johnson (J&J), according to local U.S. media.

On the 19th (local time), according to U.S. media, a senior health official from an EU member state who requested anonymity said that discussions between the EU Commission and Johnson & Johnson are currently underway.

Another EU source reported that the EU Commission had a phone call with Johnson & Johnson on the 16th regarding this matter.

The EU Commission spokesperson has not yet made any official statement on this.

The EU Commission plans to use approximately 2 billion euros (about 2.7 trillion KRW) in emergency funds for the advance purchase of vaccines currently under trial on behalf of its 27 member states.

Johnson & Johnson plans to begin human clinical trials for its COVID-19 experimental vaccine next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.