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Europe is divided on whether it should accept Putin’s help with vaccines. That’s what CNN reports. Europe’s slow vaccination program offered one of the continent’s greatest enemies a golden opportunity for a major diplomatic victory. “The failure of the vaccine in Europe is a gift for Putin”, is the title of an analysis.
EU Industry Commissioner Thierry Breton said recently that “there was absolutely no need” for Sputnik V. But for a growing number of desperate EU leaders, a way out of the crisis could lead to Russia. Last summer, the Kremlin was heavily criticized for approving the Sputnik vaccine before large-scale phase 3 trials began. However, several studies have since shown that the vaccine is very effective and safe.
Will the Swiss company be the first to produce the Sputnik-V vaccine in Europe?
Hungary and Slovakia have together ordered four million doses of the vaccine. Hungary is the first EU member to have already inoculated Sputnik V. Austria and possibly Italy are also about to place an order. Italy, Serbia and other countries are also in talks to produce Sputnik cans themselves under license. According to Russian reports, contracts have also been concluded with local producers in France and Spain.
The Russian company R-Pharm, registered in Germany, is in the process of establishing a production line in the state of Bavaria. As soon as Sputnik receives approval from the EU Medicines Agency EMA, production should start across Europe.
Initially, there are no reports of a possible production location in Switzerland. But Ticino biotech company Adienne Pharma & Biotech has signed a production agreement with the Russian state fund RDIF. According to the “Handelszeitung”, the Lugano-based company wants to be the first European to produce the Covid-19 vaccine near Milan. Several million cans are expected by the end of the year. Production is scheduled to start as soon as approval from the Italian regulatory authorities is obtained. (kes)
