There will be no advance for any country: says Sanofi's Chairman for COVID-19 vaccine

Paris

As the number of positive cases is rising on a daily basis in the world, the pressure on scientists is increasing to develop a cure for coronavirus.

Few weeks ago, the European Union (EU) had chaired a global online summit for coronavirus research and had managed to secure pledges of $8bn (£6.5bn) from almost 40 countries and donors. However, the US and Russia did not participate in the summit.

Following that, Sanofi, a US Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) funded company, claimed that the US had "the right to the largest pre-order because it's invested in taking the risk". Thi statement by Sanofi's CEO Paul Hudson attracted a lot of criticism.

Also read: Global coronavirus death toll rises to more than 300,000

Although, Sanofi is partly funded by US' BARDA, it has received tens of millions of euros in tax credits from the French government to help its research, in the recent years.

Paul's statement was immediately rebuked by the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe who claimed that access to the vaccine for all was non-negotiable.

On Friday, Sanofi's Chairman came to Paul's rescue and claimed that the CEO's words were distorted and misinterpreted. He also promised equal access for everyone.

"I am going to be extremely clear: there will be no particular advance for any country," Serge Weinberg told a local media organization.

French Prime Minister Philippe and President Emmanuel Macron, too, assured that the vaccine, when developed, will be accessible for all equally.

"The vaccine against Covid-19 should be a global public good and its access needs to be equitable and universal," European Commission spokesman Stefan de Keersmaecker told a media organization.