In a column entitled “The Big Pharma spiel”, Isabelle Hachey suggests that the temporary lifting of intellectual property rights on COVID-19 vaccines is a solution to the issue affecting the equitable distribution of vaccines across the world. The reality is that the real obstacles to production have nothing to do with patents. Rather, there is a need to increase the capacity of the global distribution chain and manufacturing network for COVID-19 vaccines, something Pfizer is working tirelessly on with its partners. In addition, there is also a need to address trade-related bottlenecks, such as export restrictions.
The temporary lifting of intellectual property rights on vaccines against COVID-19 would not resolve the real issues related to the accessibility of vaccines across the world. Seemingly useful, it risks generating undue pressure on the already tight demand and management of raw materials, limiting production capacity for highly efficient sites and discouraging the innovation that has served so much in the development of vaccines in France. record time.
First, fair and equitable distribution has been Pfizer and BioNTech’s guide since the start of the pandemic. Two conditions must be met for all countries to have access to our vaccine: an affordable price for all and the production of enough vaccines.
The first condition was quickly fulfilled. As of June 2020, we have chosen progressive pricing: rich countries will pay the equivalent of a restaurant meal for the vaccine, which will then be administered free of charge to the population. Middle-income countries will pay about half that price, and low-income countries will receive the doses at cost.
On the other hand, the second condition is much more difficult to fulfill, but we are getting there with remarkable speed. Thanks to the ingenuity and hard work of our scientists, engineers and skilled employees, along with a multi-billion dollar investment from Pfizer and numerous partnerships, we will meet our target of 3 billion doses produced by the end of the year. end of 2021 and we are very confident of producing 4 billion in 2022.
These vaccines are not for the rich or the poor, not for the countries of the North or the South: they are vaccines for ALL.
The facts about fair distribution
As of November 23, 2021, we have distributed over 2.1 billion vaccines in more than 161 countries and territories: 32 in America; 37 in Africa; 21 in Asia / Pacific; 59 in Europe; and 12 in the Middle East.
Last May, Pfizer pledged to deliver two billion doses of vaccine to low- and middle-income countries in 2021 and 2022, a minimum of one billion doses per year. These distribution efforts are carried out through several mechanisms: bilateral agreements with the countries themselves, an agreement with COVAX, our humanitarian donation programs and specific agreements with several countries.
Partnerships without patent lifting
Contrary to what is suggested in this column, and without recourse to the lifting of patents, Pfizer and BioNTech (as well as other vaccine manufacturers) have established numerous external partnerships to expand our global supply chain and our manufacturing network on four continents and more than 20 sites.
These partnerships and production contracts notably include agreements with the BIOVAC Institute in South Africa, Europharma Laboratories in Brazil, Sanofi, Novartis, Fosun Pharma, Thermo Fisher and Delpharm. We voluntarily select partners using a rigorous process based on several factors including: quality, safety compliance history, technical capability, capacity availability, highly skilled workforce. qualified, project management and previous working relationships. The stages of a related technology transfer process are complex and require a lot of time: on-site development, installation of equipment, engineering and process qualification tests, as well as approvals. regulatory.
We continue to explore and pursue opportunities to integrate new partners into our supply chain to further accelerate access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Ending the pandemic and vaccinating the entire planet is a colossal challenge, but possible. To do this, we must continue our efforts to produce quality, safe and effective vaccines that we will continue to distribute as quickly as possible.