The French-British pharma duo said it had agreed to supply 72 million doses, starting in 2021. The two companies began Phase 1/2 studies for their candidate on Sept. 3 and expect first results in early December 2020 to support initiation of a Phase 3 study before the end of the year. If data is sufficient, they plan to apply for regulatory approval in the 2021 first half.

"To address a global health crisis of this magnitude, it takes partnership,” said Thomas Triomphe, global head of Sanofi Pasteur. “We are grateful to Canada for its collaboration and to GSK for partnering with us to develop a safe and effective vaccine," he added.

Moderna said the Canadian government has increased its confirmed order commitment to 20 million doses of its Covid-19 candidate, mRNA-1273, and additionally has an option to takd 36 million additional doses. The company said also that its Phase 3 study has enrolled more than 75% of its targeted participants.

The US biotech, which will source the Canadian supply from its European capacity with manufacturing partners Lonza in Switzerland and Rovi in Spain (fill-finish), said it remains on track to be able to deliver up to 56 million doses beginning in 2021.

Author: Dede Williams, Freelance Journalist