US "Considering Vaccine Patent Waiver"... Novavax Expectations

Biden "Providing Vaccine Technology Overseas"
White House "Considering Patent Waiver... No Conclusion Yet"
Novavax Emergency Use Authorization Imminent
Domestic Early Supply Procedures Also Accelerating

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min, Reporter Kim Ji-hee] U.S. President Joe Biden has announced that not only finished COVID-19 vaccines but also the technical know-how will be delivered to countries in need. The White House has also revealed that it is reviewing the waiver of vaccine patent rights, accelerating global efforts to expand vaccine supply. Expectations are growing regarding the role of the Novavax vaccine, which is scheduled to be produced in Korea.

At a press conference on the 27th (local time), President Biden stated, "I discussed with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when we will actually send vaccines to India." Although he did not specify the exact timing of vaccine provision, Biden said, "The issue is making sure whether there are other vaccines like Novavax." He added, "I believe we will be in a position to share not only vaccines but also know-how with countries that truly need them."

President Biden's remarks were interpreted as indicating that Novavax approval is imminent and that sharing vaccine technology overseas is also under consideration.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki also confirmed on the same day that "a waiver of patent rights for COVID-19 vaccines is under review." She explained, "Nothing has been decided yet," adding, "Expanding vaccine production within the United States is also an option."

U.S. political media outlet Politico reported that Novavax is becoming a ‘dark horse’ in ending the COVID-19 crisis. Georgetown University professor Lawrence Gostin predicted, "Unlike the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the Novavax vaccine will play an important role." The Novavax vaccine is also being manufactured in India with a volume of 1 billion doses, which will be supplied to underdeveloped countries worldwide through COVAX.

The role of the Novavax vaccine is also growing in Korea. On the 27th, the government-wide vaccine procurement task force (TF) met with Stanley Erck, CEO of Novavax, who visited Korea, to discuss early vaccine supply. Accordingly, the government decided to proceed with a swift approval process for the early domestic supply of the Novavax vaccine. The Novavax vaccine is currently under review by the UK and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), and Korea plans to initiate the approval process concurrently with these countries.

The domestic supply and vaccination with the Novavax vaccine are also expected to accelerate. By the end of the year, 40 million doses of the Novavax vaccine are scheduled to be introduced, with 20 million doses, half of the total contracted amount, arriving by the third quarter. With the extension of the technology transfer agreement between SK Bioscience and Novavax underway, a foundation for stable vaccine supply next year has also been established.

The Novavax vaccine supplied domestically will be entirely produced at SK Bioscience’s Andong plant. Initially, the two companies signed a technology transfer agreement to produce vaccine bulk until the end of this year and to complete final filling by next year. If SK Bioscience continues to produce vaccines through technology transfer next year, it will be easier to compensate even if there are issues procuring other vaccines.

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