Coronavirus vaccine could be on the way

The Serum Institute of India currently manufactures 1.5 billion vaccine doses annually. It is one of seven companies who have committed themselves to producing the Oxford University ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 treatment.

At the time of writing the pharmaceutical giant has suspended production of its measles, hepatitis and polio treatments to focus on manufacturing vaccines that will combat Covid-19.

The companies chief executive Mr Poonawalla has said production will start during the first week of May "in advance" of human trials being completed. Mr Poonawalla has said that his firm could generate upto five million vaccine doses a month.

With their current systems he expects that, if the serum was effective, they could be distributing upto 10 million doses a month by October.

Mr Poonawalla told the media, "We are not a listed company and we are not accountable for our actions to investors in terms of pure profits and returns. So, I was able to make this decision and take this risk at the cost of our other vaccines that we are putting aside temporarily so that we can build up the scale here." 

The billionaire chief executive has said the drug, if successful, will be sold in India for circa 1,000 rupees which is the equivalent of approximately £10.50.

Mr Poonawalla has said, "Human trials for Oxford University's Covid-19 vaccine began last week. A million doses could be produced by September. Imperial College London is also working on a vaccine. More than 70 Covid-19 vaccines are in development around the world. So far only the US and China have followed the UK in starting human trials.

Hopefully next months news item will revolve around the law again in the sure and certain knowledge that Covid-19 has met it's match.

E&K Solicitors

Rusholme