EU reaches deal for supply of 160 million doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

BRUSSELS: The European Union has reached a deal with US biotech firm Moderna for the supply of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate, the head of the European Commission said on Tuesday (Nov 24).

Last week Moderna said its experimental vaccine was 94.5 per cent effective in preventing COVID-19, based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial.

"I am happy to announce that tomorrow we will approve a new contract to secure another COVID-19 vaccine," Ursula von der Leyen said, adding the deal "allows us to buy up to 160 million doses of a vaccine produced by Moderna".

READ: Moderna CEO says Europe's delayed COVID-19 vaccine contract will slow delivery

In August the EU's executive Commission, which co-leads talks with vaccine makers on behalf of member states, said preliminary talks with Moderna had been concluded with the aim of signing a contract for the supply of 80 million doses of its vaccine, with the option of buying another 80 million.

It is the sixth supply deal the EU has negotiated with vaccine makers to secure COVID-19 shots.

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