In a time of global pandemic, traditional vaccine procurement schemes are not fit for purpose and need to adapt to allow both governments and manufacturers the ability to manage a greater level of risk associated with rapid vaccine development and deployment.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have already seen stakeholders grappling with the issue of supply. While these agreements are being made based on the science and currently available clinical data of a potential vaccine, there is a risk that safety and efficacy will not meet required standards and that procurers will have backed the wrong candidate.
As the authors explain in Pharmaceutical Executive, assuming the correct balance of risk is an essential aspect of pandemic vaccine procurement as it not only secures immediate supply but also supports vaccine development and allows for the timely scale up of manufacturing capacity.
