Europe makes deal with Moderna for 160 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine

The agreement covers a supply of an initial 80 million doses of the two-dose vaccine, with the option of extending to a further 80 million.

The vaccine, mRNA-1273, reported 94.5% efficacy in its Phase 3 interim analysis earlier this month.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) started a rolling review​​ of the mRNA candidate last week. A rolling review allows vaccine developers to submit information from earlier trials to regulators as and when it becomes available. In Europe, the EMA’s human medicines committee (CHMP) is carrying out a rolling review of the vaccine via Moderna’s subsidiary, Moderna Biotech Spain. 

"According to the result of clinical trials, this vaccine could be highly effective against COVID-19," ​said European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. "Once the vaccine is indeed proven as safe and effective, every Member State will receive it at the same time, on a pro-rata basis, at the same conditions." ​

The deal with Moderna represents Europe's sixth COVID-19 vaccine deal, and the Commission is currently working on a seventh."We are setting up one of the most comprehensive COVID-19 vaccine portfolios in the world,"​ says von der Leyen.

The EU now has 1.3bn doses of COVID-19 vaccines lined up; which could reach almost 2bn if further options are exercised. 

EU COVID-19 deals announced to date