Government: "Pfizer and Janssen Vaccine Supply Negotiations Progressing Smoothly... Contract to Be Finalized Within the Year"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Regarding the supply of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) vaccine, the government announced on the 16th that it expects to finalize contracts with two foreign pharmaceutical companies within this year.

Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, said at a briefing that "Pfizer and Janssen are currently progressing smoothly with contract-related agreements," adding, "If there are no particular setbacks, we will be able to finalize the contracts soon and disclose the details." He further stated, "We aim to finalize the contracts within this month if possible."

Previously, the government had been negotiating vaccine supply with overseas pharmaceutical companies, and only the contract for 20 million doses of AstraZeneca's vaccine (1 dose equals one injection, enough for 10 million people) has been finalized. On this day, a media outlet reported, citing government officials, that contracts with other pharmaceutical companies have either been finalized or are expected to be finalized soon.

The government is negotiating to purchase vaccines for 44 million people from abroad. Pfizer has committed to 20 million doses (for 10 million people), and Janssen to 4 million doses (for 4 million people), with purchase commitments made with each company, but final contracts have not yet been signed. Since the import quantities have been confirmed, it is expected that the government will finalize the contracts after reviewing specific import schedules and other clauses. Pfizer has already started vaccinations in countries such as the UK and the US, while Janssen is still in clinical trials.

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