"COVID-19 Vaccine, Ongoing Discussions with Pharmaceutical Companies to Accelerate Introduction Timing" (Update)

Pfizer's logo and COVID-19 vaccine (Jenniecha Reuters=Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] The government emphasized that it is conducting behind-the-scenes negotiations with pharmaceutical companies developing new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines overseas to expedite the introduction timing of these vaccines.

At a regular briefing on the 24th, Yang Dong-gyo, Director of the Medical Safety and Prevention Bureau at the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), explained the status of vaccine purchase contracts, stating, "The timing of vaccine supply varies depending on the pharmaceutical company, production volume, and contract timing," adding, "AstraZeneca vaccines are scheduled to be introduced in the first quarter, Janssen products in the second quarter, and Pfizer vaccines from the third quarter." He further said, "Even after signing contracts, efforts are being made in various ways to bring forward the (introduction) timing," and "Discussions with pharmaceutical companies are continuously ongoing in that direction."

Among the initially targeted 44 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be introduced, the government has currently signed contracts for a total of 26 million doses, including 10 million doses with Pfizer, 6 million doses with Johnson & Johnson-Janssen, and 10 million doses with AstraZeneca. Initially, 4 million doses were planned to be secured through Janssen, but an additional 2 million doses were added during the actual contract process.

Additionally, the government plans to secure 20 million more doses, 10 million each through Moderna and the international project for joint vaccine purchase and distribution, the 'COVAX Facility.' According to the KDCA, negotiations with Moderna are underway with the goal of signing a contract in January next year. The COVAX Facility is expected to provide vaccine-related information to participating countries soon.

Director Yang stated, "The specific introduction schedule will be decided in detail considering the domestic vaccination plan," emphasizing, "There is a confidentiality agreement with manufacturers, so detailed supply timing and quantities stated in the contracts cannot be disclosed." Regarding the start of domestic vaccine administration, he said, "The vaccination plan is being established considering the supply timing, characteristics, and effectiveness of vaccines by manufacturer, with the goal of completing vaccinations for priority groups before November next year, the influenza season."

Some speculated that the increase of 2 million doses in the Janssen contract compared to initial expectations might indicate the possibility of domestic contract manufacturing. In response, Director Yang said, "There has been no discussion about contract manufacturing," explaining, "The government has continuously made efforts, and thanks to the cooperation of the manufacturer, an additional 2 million doses were contracted."

He also responded to concerns that securing domestic quantities might become difficult as the United States decided to purchase additional Pfizer vaccines using the Defense Production Act, stating, "It has been confirmed that there is no impact on the vaccines supplied to our country."

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