Thai company SCG have signed an agreement with AstraZeneca and others for the manufacture and distribution of Oxford’s ChAdOx1 nCov-2019 coronavirus vaccine in South-East Asia.
On 12 October 2020, the Thai Ministry of Public Health, AstraZeneca, Siam Bioscience and SCG agreed to work together to prepare the large-scale manufacture and supply of Oxford’s potential COVID-19 vaccine for supply in South East Asia. The result is a partnership between SCG, the Government of Thailand, AstraZeneca and Siam Bioscience to manufacture the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine in Thailand for potential distribution across South-East Asia.
Thai company SCG signing an agreement with AstraZeneca for the manufacture of a coronavirus vaccine in South-East Asia. Image credit: SCGThai company SCG signing an agreement with AstraZeneca for the manufacture of a coronavirus vaccine in South-East Asia. Image credit: SCG
Speaking at the signing ceremony Brian Davidson, British Ambassador to Thailand, said:
‘Defeating COVID-19 is, and needs to be, a global endeavour. The work of scientists, multilaterals and business as well as governments. It is a pleasure to witness the start of this critical partnership between Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health, Siam BioScience, SCG and AstraZeneca.’
Roongrote Rangsiyopash, SCG President and CEO, said:
‘SCG is delighted to help facilitate this critical technology transfer. SCG and Oxford University have been research and development partners for a long time. This partnership has enabled acceleration of Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing in Thailand and distribution of the vaccine to both Thailand and our neighbouring countries. SCG would like to thank the vaccine team at AstraZeneca for being a collaborative partner throughout the process.’
Jo Feng, Senior Vice President, Asia Area at AstraZeneca said:
‘Broad, equitable and timely access is critical to the success of any COVID-19 vaccine. Today is an important step toward that goal. Public-private partnerships like this are the only way to halt this pandemic and we look forward to deepening our collaboration in the interest of public health.’
This Letter of Intent makes important progress towards Oxford’s global goal of rapid and equitable access to its vaccine for COVID-19 – as it provides a framework for the establishment of similar partnerships around the world and illustrates how Oxford can be a nexus for tackling global crises.
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