Wockhardt announces Covid-19 vaccine: Stock leap frogs to 10 Percent

The Industry Outlook Team | Monday, 03 August 2020

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To allow the supply of multiple vaccines to the UK Government , Wockhardt has reserved manufacturing capacity in its first fight against COVID-19.

Indian drugmaker Wockhardt Ltd will supply millions of doses of multiple COVID-19 vaccines to the United Kingdom, it said on Monday. As part of its effort to accelerate Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing in Britain, UK Government on Monday announced that it has entered into an agreement with pharmaceutical and biotechnology major Wockhardt to provide 'fill and finish services'. Reuters reported that Britain hopes the firm could start work as soon as next month.

As part of its effort to put a tight stand to accelerate Covid-19 vaccine that is being manufactured in Britain, Indian drugmaker Wockhardt Ltd said on Monday that they would supply millions of doses of multiple COVID-19 vaccines to the United Kingdom; a fill and finish service to be precise.

Furthermore, as part of the 18-month agreement, Wockhardt will carry out the crucial 'fill and finish' stage of the manufacturing process, which will involve dispensing the manufactured vaccine substance into vials ready for it to be distributed.

Dr Habil Khorakiwala, Founder Chairman of Wockhardt said, “The pandemic of COVID-19 is a challenge for all and needs a concerted effort to overcome. We are proud to be collaborating with the UK Government to make vaccines available and the arrangement brings in a huge sense of purpose and pride, it upholds our ongoing commitment to fight against such a pandemic of global human importance. As a global organisation, we are focussed and committed to assist in mitigating the worldwide impact of COVID-19."

Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Government of UK said, “Ensuring the UK has the capability to research, develop and manufacture a safe and effective vaccine is critical in our fight against coronavirus."

"Today we have secured additional capacity to manufacture millions of doses of multiple Covid-19 candidates, guaranteeing the supply of vaccines we need to protect people across the UK rapidly and in large numbers," he added.

Dr Murtaza Khorakiwala, Managing Director and Global CEO of Wockhardt adds, “The arrangement with the UK Government for manufacturing vaccines for COVID-19 showcases our global strength in world class sterile injectable facilities and capacity. With four decades of expertise and experience behind us we are able to quickly scale to manufacture and assist in mitigating the worldwide impact of COVID-19."