AstraZenecca writes to SPC; sets facts straight

• Refers to heavy global commitments; says no private supply; warns of counterfeits if sourcing from outside parties  

AstraZeneca has written to the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation (SPC), setting out facts and issuing a warning of procurement from sources other than the Company. 

In the letter addressed to SPC Chairman Dr. Prasanna Gunasena, AstraZeneca’s Singapore-based Associate Director – Government Affairs Asia Area Jasper Meyns said that the Company has learnt that numerous private traders and companies have been approaching the Sri Lankan Government to sell COVID-19 vaccine from AstraZeneca.

“We wish to confirm that AstraZeneca’s current focus is delivering on our substantial global commitments to governments and international health organisations as quickly as possible to help end the pandemic; as such there is currently no private sector supply, sale or distribution of the vaccine,” the letter said. 

“If a trader or company other than AstraZeneca offers private vaccines, it is likely counterfeit, so should be refused and reported to the relevant authorities,” the latter dated 18 May added.

“AstraZeneca would like to clarify that currently only COVAC, UNICEF and Serum Institute of India (SII) are our designated partners to make the vaccine available in Sri Lanka,” the latter added.

Daily FT learns the AstraZeneca letter follows after the Lankan Government was approached by many third parties assuring supply of the vaccine. 

With 925,242 given the first dose of Covishield vaccine and India facing its own problems of meeting domestic demand and halting exports, there has been an urgency to source additional Covishield for the second dose. Only 341,541 have been given the second dose so far. 

Early this week, Cabinet approved a decision to source one million AstraZeneca vaccine doses, though it is still unclear how and from it will be procured. 

Sources said the Government will explore options for bilateral procurement from countries which have had an excess. If successful, some will be as donation or at cost of $ 5 each. 

The Cabinet also approved the purchase of 14 million doses of Sinopharm vaccine at $ 15 each. This is in addition to five million dose-order placed for Pfizer (at $ 6.75 each), of which the first consignment of 900,000 is expected in July. Among previously announced plans by SPC are 13 million doses of Sputnik - V at $ 9.95 each. Some claimed what has been paid for an order of 200,000 doses. 

As of mid-this week, nearly 1.5 million first doses have been administered. The Government said it plans to vaccinate 60% to 70% of the country’s population against COVID-19 by the end of the year.