[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Novavax has applied to the World Health Organization (WHO) for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine.
On the 23rd (local time), Novavax stated in a press release, "We have requested regulatory review with the Indian vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute of India (SII) for inclusion in the WHO's Emergency Use Listing."
If listed on the WHO's Emergency Use Listing, the COVID-19 vaccine can be distributed worldwide through the international project COVAX, which facilitates joint purchase and allocation. Novavax had already agreed to supply 1.1 billion doses to COVAX.
Unlike Pfizer and Moderna vaccines (mRNA) or AstraZeneca vaccine (viral vector), the Novavax vaccine is made using protein recombinant technology. It is expected to have good safety and long-lasting efficacy, similar to hepatitis B vaccines or cervical cancer vaccines.
It can be stored and distributed at regular refrigerator temperatures, which is expected to help low-income countries with limited vaccine access. Novavax has already applied for approval in India, Indonesia, and the Philippines, and plans to complete applications in the United States and the European Union within this year.
South Korea has also secured 40 million doses. SK Bioscience, which has a contract for contract manufacturing (CMO) of the Novavax vaccine, saw its stock price trade at 285,500 KRW, up 10.2% from the previous day, for a time this morning.
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