BioNTech-Pfizer to supply EU with 100 million additional doses of COVID-19 vaccine

U.S. Pfizer Inc. and Germany's BioNTech SE announced on Monday they will supply an additional 100 million doses of Comirnaty, the companies’ COVID-19 vaccine, to the European Union in 2021.

This announcement is a result of the European Commission’s decision to exercise its option to purchase an additional 100 million doses under its expanded Advanced Purchase Agreement signed on February 17, 2021.

This brings the total number of doses to be delivered to the EU to 600million.

Pfizer and BioNTech agreed in mid-February withteh Commission to supply an additional 200 million doses of Comirnaty to the bloc, with an option for the EU executive to request supply of an additional 100 million doses. Of the 200 million doses, the companies are to deliver 75 million in the second quarter.

The Feb20 agreement was in addition to the 300 million doses that have already been committed to the EU through 2021 under the first supply agreement signed last year. 60 million doses were supplied in the first quarter and 175 million will be delivered in Q2.

“We remain committed to moving as quickly and safely as possible to bring this vaccine to more people in Europe, as the deadly virus continues to wreak havoc across the continent.” said Albert Bourla, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pfizer.

The 250 million doses to be delivered to the EU in Q2 is a four-fold increase on Q1’s agreed quantity. The companies intend to deliver a total of 600 million doses to the EU this year, which covers two thirds of the EU population and represents the largest cumulative supply agreement for Comirnaty that they have agreed to date globally.

Comirnaty was the first COVID-19 vaccine granted conditional marketing authorisation in the EU.