AstraZeneca CEO: "European Vaccine Production Delayed by Two Months Compared to Plan"

AstraZeneca's novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] AstraZeneca's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) said on the 27th (local time) that "the production of the COVID-19 vaccine in Europe is two months behind the original schedule."

According to Germany's 'Die Welt,' Pascal Soriot, AstraZeneca CEO, stated, "Vaccine production is carried out in two stages: first producing the vaccine itself, then filling it into ampoules," adding, "The vaccine production takes place in the Netherlands and Belgium, and the filling into ampoules is done in Germany and Italy, and there are no issues with this process."

However, he pointed out that the problem lies in the reduced productivity during the cultivation of raw materials. He explained, "We cultivate the raw materials for COVID-19 vaccine production by injecting the virus into large tanks of up to 2000 liters, but the productivity of raw materials in European tanks is the lowest in the world."

CEO Soriot denied allegations that AstraZeneca is deliberately delaying supply to the European Union (EU) and exporting to other regions.

He said, "We produce 17 million doses every month," and added, "Once approved by European health authorities, we will immediately deliver 3 million doses and increase weekly supply to deliver 17 million doses." He expected that 3 million doses would be supplied to Germany each month.