The UK has approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, becoming the first country in the world to do so, going ahead of the United States and the EU countries, who expect to bring the decisions on authorization in December.
This vaccine approval comes after Russian vaccine, according to the company, it should reach the people who need it most, next week.
Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine is one of the several that the western world has been looking up to, as the world economies are on slippery terrain. Having a vaccine is a good path of a faster return to normalizing the interaction of people, which in turn means enhancing of trade and cash flows.
U.K. regulator, MHRA, authorized supply of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for emergency supply under Regulation 174, and the companies are ready to deliver the first doses to the U.K. immediately.
The companies said that the first authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine represents a breakthrough scientific achievement to help combat this devastating pandemic. They previously signed an agreement to supply a total of 40 million doses to the U.K. with delivery in 2020 and 2021.
“Today’s Emergency Use Authorization in the U.K. marks a historic moment in the fight against COVID-19. This authorization is a goal we have been working toward since we first declared that science will win, and we applaud the MHRA for their ability to conduct a careful assessment and take timely action to help protect the people of the U.K.,” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer. “As we anticipate further authorizations and approvals, we are focused on moving with the same level of urgency to safely supply a high-quality vaccine around the world. With thousands of people becoming infected, every day matters in the collective race to end this devastating pandemic.”
“The Emergency Use Authorization in the U.K. will mark the first time citizens outside of the trials will have the opportunity to be immunized against COVID-19,” said Ugur Sahin, M.D., CEO and Co-founder of BioNTech. “We believe that the roll-out of the vaccination program in the U.K. will reduce the number of people in the high-risk population being hospitalized. Our aim is to bring a safe and effective vaccine upon approval to the people who need it. The data submitted to regulatory agencies around the world are the result of a scientifically rigorous and highly ethical research and development program.”