Australia secured more than 84 million doses of potential COVID-19 vaccines

By: Miguel A. Rodriguez

09:45, 14 September 2020

1599484138.jpg
AstraZeneca scored another deal

As the pharmaceutical companies are getting close to releasing a viable #COVID-19 vaccine, countries worldwide are starting to secure millions of doses. The latest country to be part of this movement is Australia.

Australia announced that it would receive 3.8 million doses of the vaccine developed by AstraZeneca during the first two months of 2021. Currently, the vaccine is in Phase III of clinical trials in the US, Brazil, South Africa, and the UK. It hasn't revealed significant concerns, but it generated strong immune responses. Under the contract, the Australian government could purchase up to 30 million additional doses.  

But the government’s mission doesn’t stop here. It will also purchase doses of the #vaccine developed by the University of Queensland (UQ). Unlike the ones from AstraZeneca, the UQ ones will be available mid-2021. The UQ is undergoing pre-clinical testing on 120 adults, following promising results on animal trials. From the University, the government will buy 51 million doses.  

According to people familiar with the matter, vulnerable people and healthcare workers will be the first in line to receive the vaccine. However, things are still a topic of discussion among health officials.

Under the agreements, as mentioned before, the government has the possibility of purchasing additional doses. Also, it can donate or sell the remaining vaccines to other countries or international organizations. From nearly 85 million doses, if both vaccines are proven effective, Australia will have around 30 million doses to spare.

As far as both vaccines are concerned, they could require two doses per patient – an initial dose and a booster. The overall deal for both vaccines is of 1.24 billion.

Following today’s announcement, AstraZeneca stock price is trading 3.50% higher. Australia200 ended the session at +0.33%. 

Read more about other pharma companies and their vaccines here!

Sources: investing.com, theguardian.com, yahoo.com


Share this article

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided.