Accelerating Vaccine Supply: EU Engages in Crucial Discussions with Moderna

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Brussels is currently in negotiations with US drugmaker Moderna for a new Covid-19 vaccine procurement deal. This move comes as EU health authorities express concern over a rise in coronavirus infections.

The negotiations are taking place between Brussels and the biotechnology group, according to two insiders. Member states have the option to confirm their interest in the deal on an individual basis.

At least eight EU countries have shown interest in participating in the new supply deal, as per one of the insiders. Notably, this contract specifically focuses on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA)-based Covid-19 vaccines. The other manufacturer of mRNA jabs, BioNTech/Pfizer, already has a long-term agreement with the EU.

The contract would provide vaccines until 2026, allowing national health authorities to decide which vaccine formulations to procure each season. As winter approaches, vaccine makers have been updating their vaccines to address highly mutated subvariants of the dominant strain, Omicron.

Moderna has stated that such an agreement would be “the fastest way to procure Covid-19 vaccines for member-state use.” The company emphasizes that its updated Covid vaccine has received approval for use in the EU and is ready to be supplied.

The European Commission and the Health Emergency and Response Authority, formed in response to the pandemic, have not yet responded to requests for comment.

The price per jab has been discussed at around €25, according to one of the insiders, but the final price will be determined in negotiations. This price aligns with previous vaccines. In 2021, the Financial Times reported that Moderna and Pfizer increased prices after phase 3 trial data demonstrated higher efficacy rates compared to cheaper vaccines developed by Oxford/AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson.

Moderna has chosen not to comment on pricing levels.

During the peak of the coronavirus pandemic, Moderna signed a deal with the EU. However, their last amendment to supply 15 million Omicron-adjusted vaccines expired in August of last year without renewal.

This potential deal comes at a time when Pfizer maintains near-monopoly control over EU Covid vaccine supplies. In May, the Commission and Pfizer reached an agreement to reduce the number of vaccines supplied to the EU, putting an end to disputes between member states overpaying for vaccines that risked not being utilized.