Novavax seeks WHO approval for emergency listing of COVID-19 vaccine
Global News
A WHO listing would allow Novavax to ship to multiple developing nations that rely on WHO guidance for their regulatory decisions.
Novavax Inc and its partner Serum Institute of India have applied to the World Health Organization for an emergency use listing of Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, potentially clearing the way for the shot to ship to many poorer countries, the company said on Thursday.
Novavax has been prioritizing regulatory submissions to low- and middle-income countries after falling behind in the race for authorization in the United States and Europe, which have already vaccinated most of their residents.
A WHO listing would allow Novavax to ship to multiple developing nations that rely on WHO guidance for their regulatory decisions.
It would also allow Novavax to begin distributing shots through the COVAX facility, which aims to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines for low- and middle-income countries.
Novavax has already submitted regulatory documents to countries including India, the Philippines and Indonesia.
Novavax shares were up more than 10% in morning trading following the announcement.
Novavax and India’s Serum Institute, the world’s largest vaccine producer, have together committed to providing more than 1.1 billion doses to the COVAX facility.
COVAX has distributed fewer than 300 million shots to poorer nations, a fraction of the roughly 6 billion shots experts say are needed.
