BioNTech is reportedly in the process of shipping the first batches of its COVID-19 vaccines to China, following a state-level agreement between China and Germany that allows German expats access to the product. The news was confirmed by a German government spokesperson, as reported by Reuters.
Agreement and Vaccine Access
Chancellor Olaf Scholz secured the agreement during a state visit to Beijing in November. The German government plans to offer both basic immunizations and booster shots of the BioNTech vaccines, already approved in the EU, free of charge to any German national over 12 years of age in China. The spokesperson also noted that efforts are underway to extend vaccination eligibility to other foreigners, pending Chinese government approval.
Vaccine Landscape and WHO Recommendations
China currently has thirteen domestic COVID-19 vaccines on the market, but none have been specifically developed for the Omicron variant. BioNTech previously partnered with Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical to bring its vaccines to the greater China region, with mRNA shots available in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, though the regulatory review for mainland China remains on hold.
In separate news, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urged China to utilize vaccines, including mRNA vaccines, to combat the recent surge in COVID-19 cases following the shift away from a “zero COVID” policy. Dr. Mike Ryan, WHO head of health emergencies, highlighted that China’s domestic vaccines from Sinovac and Sinopharm require three doses to offer the same protection as two doses of globally approved mRNA vaccines. According to WHO statistics, 87% of Chinese people are vaccinated with two shots of domestic vaccines, but only 55% have received a third dose, indicating a need for further vaccination efforts.
Domestic Biopharma Industry’s Response
China’s domestic biopharma industry is actively developing both novel vaccines and therapies against COVID-19. Fineline Info & Tech data shows that ten mRNA vaccine projects involving local companies are in clinical trial stages, including products specifically targeting various Omicron variants, led by Abogen Biosciences, Walvax Biotechnology, AIM Vaccine, and Zhuhai Lifanda Biotechnology.-Fineline Info & Tech
