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meIt was “well imaginable” that Americans would receive the desired coronavirus vaccine first. This was stated by the CEO of the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi, Paul Hudson, on April 24 in a conference call with journalists. Now he goes one step further and reveals that Sanofi, the largest pharmaceutical company in the European Union, has signed a preliminary contract with the United States to make this scenario a reality: “The United States government is entitled to the largest advance order, because he invested to share the risks, “said the British manager in an interview with the Bloomberg news agency. He had pointed out in Europe that the United States could be the first to receive the vaccine. “It will happen now because they have invested to protect their people and make the economy work again,” said Hudson.
The background is the pharmaceutical industry subsidies of the American agency Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (Barda). It subsidizes pharmaceutical companies and then requires that development, production, and at least part of sales be made in the United States. The pharmaceutical industry points to high-risk investments in the production of large quantities of vaccines, for which it needs government support. Hudson has increasingly called on Europe to adopt a strategy similar to Barda’s. The manager estimates that Americans have an advantage in “days or weeks” delivery. However, this statement is fraught with great uncertainty. Around a hundred research projects are currently active worldwide to find a vaccine. Vaccines from various manufacturers are expected to hit the market.
The Sanofi group had previously reported that it had signed a contract with Barda in the United States, but left the first recipient’s vaccine question unanswered. Sanofi had received $ 30 million under the recent Barda deal, Hudson said. China would also do its best to get vaccinated. “Then these two economic powers will be vaccinated first; that is why it is so important to start a debate in Europe under the motto: ‘Don’t let Europe be left behind!’ Said Hudson.
At a recent conference, European governments such as those of Germany and France, as well as the EU Commission, called for Covid-19 vaccines, drugs and virus tests to be distributed across borders as fairly as possible. Developing countries should not be forgotten either. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also points this out repeatedly. Many experts warn about “vaccine nationalism”. The University of Oxford, which is working with British pharmaceutical manufacturer Astra Zeneca, will also prioritize Britain, said Astra Zeneca CEO Pascal Soriot. In Germany, the biotech company Biontech in Mainz is working with the American group Pfizer.
After Bloomberg’s interview appeared, Sanofi’s press office added a reassuring statement: The company also has production facilities in Europe and other regions, so capabilities will also be available to continents outside of the United States. The EU Commission has moved significantly in recent weeks. It was encouraging. “We have very constructive talks with the EU institutions and with the French and German governments,” said Sanofi.
