Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Chinese pharmaceutical giant Shanghai Fosun said it would bring in at least 100 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for use in mainland China and beyond. What is the reason why companies import vaccines even though China already has its own vaccines?
From the Hong Kong stock exchange filing documents, if approved, the vaccine will be used next year. As many as 50 million doses will come at the start. Fosun had also paid 250 million euros in advance to BionTech. Half will arrive on December 30, while the rest are awaiting regulatory approval, as quoted by Reuters, Thursday (17/12/2020).
In November 2020, the Chinese government gave permission for clinical trials of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine in China. According to final clinical trial data in the United States (US), this vaccine is 95% effective against Covid-19 virus infection.
In March, Fosun won the right to market the Covid-19 vaccine in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Under the agreement with BioNTech, Fosun will be responsible for seeking permission from regulators in mainland China and Hong Kong, as quoted by the Nikkei Asian Review.
Fosun also signed a deal under which the company pays BioNTech US $ 135 million in advance and future payments for exclusive rights in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Fuson will be responsible for marketing and sales costs and will get 65% of gross sales profit.
BioNTech has previously told Caixin that a vaccine aimed at the Chinese market will be produced at its facility in Marburg, Germany, but Fosun has pushed to make it in China.
China itself actually has a local vaccine. The country has even given emergency approval for two vaccine candidates, namely those of Sinopharm and Sinovac Biotech Ltd. China has also approved the emergency use of the Cansino vaccine for military purposes.
Previously, another Chinese pharmaceutical company, Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co Ltd, also collaborated with the British corona vaccine manufacturer, AstraZeneca PLC. The plan is that there are 100 million doses of vaccine that will be produced by both. Clinical trials have also been carried out in China.
(roy/sef)
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