Coronavirus: AstraZeneca in vaccine talks with Japan, Russia, Brazil and China
British drugmaker AstraZeneca (AZN) is in talks with Japan, Russia, Brazil and China over the supply of a potential COVID-19 vaccine.
The company's chief confirmed the news on Saturday ahead of the publication of its results on the first phase of testing.
The pharmaceutical giant has already reached an agreement with Europe’s Inclusive Vaccines Alliance (IVA) to supply up to 400 million doses of a vaccine developed by Oxford University, with deliveries starting by the end of the year.
The Netherlands, Italy and Germany will play a big role in manufacturing the drug in Europe, said AstraZeneca boss Pascal Soriot.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: AstraZeneca signs deal to make vaccine for Europe
The company expects to know by the end of the summer if the vaccine, which would cost a few dollars per dose, works, reports Reuters.
The deal with the European alliance, “aims to accelerate the supply of the vaccine and to make it available to other European countries that wish to participate in the initiative."
The firm has made similar agreements with the UK and US, following a trial of the vaccine with 10,000 adult volunteers.
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and Pfizer (PFE) are also working on the manufacturing of a vaccine.
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Social distancing rule revision will have significant impact, says UK chancellor
