Mexico to hold trials for Chinese and American COVID-19 vaccines
pharmafile | August 12, 2020 | News story | Research and Development | COVID-19, Mexico, Mexico coronavirus
Mexico aims to conduct late stage trials for coronavirus vaccines designed by US and Chinese companies.
This is in hope that these countries may base their vaccine production in Mexico. To this end, the country has also signed memorandums of understanding with Johnson & Johnson along with Chinese companies Walvax Biotechnology and CanSino Biologics to test their vaccines, according to Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard.
Ebrard said he hoped that trials would start between next month and January if they get approval from Mexico’s food and drug agency. He also said specifically that the Chinese companies were interested in producing a vaccine for Mexico and the rest of the Latin American market.
Mexico is currently lobbying world forums like the G20 and UN to commit to securing equitable access for an eventual vaccine.
On 5 August, Honduras, Mexico and the UK hosted a seminar which included the Central American Bank of Economic Integration (CABEI) and officials from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO). They spoke at length at what steps should be taken to ensure equitable access throughout the globe for coronavirus vaccines. The UK itself has already committed up to £313 million of UK Aid to support the research and development of vaccines and ensure access for developing countries.
Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said: “Mexico seeks to bring the governments of Latin America and the Caribbean closer to the leading multilateral institutions in the strategy for the development and distribution of the vaccine against COVID-19, in order to guarantee equitable access. We appreciate the support of the UK in opening spaces for dialogue and building inclusive responses to global problems.”
Conor Kavanagh
Related Content
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility creates challenges for UK pharmacies
Pharmacists across England have reported widespread confusion among patients attempting to book COVID-19 vaccination appointments …
Mental health medicine use in England reaches record high, NHSBSA report reveals
According to new data published by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), mental health prescriptions …
FDA approves Moderna’s Spikevax for children at increased risk of COVID-19
Moderna has been granted US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for its COVID-19 vaccine, …
