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The lack of raw materials used in the production of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine played a role in the company’s decision to cut its 2020 production target, a spokesperson told Reuters.
Pfizer has said in recent weeks that it plans to produce 50 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine this year. This is down from a previous goal of 100 million doses. Pfizer’s vaccine is based on a two-dose regimen, which means 50 million doses are enough to inoculate 25 million people.
A company spokesperson said that “the increase in the supply chain of raw materials took longer than expected”. He also cited later-than-expected results from Pfizer’s clinical trial as a reason for the lower number of doses expected to be produced by the end of 2020.
The spokesperson added that changes to Pfizer production lines are now complete and finished doses are being made at a rapid pace.
The Wall Street Journal was the first to report the news. He reported that an unnamed person directly involved in Pfizer vaccine development said “some first batches of raw materials failed to meet standards,” which caused production delays.
Pfizer filed for emergency clearance for its COVID-19 vaccine from U.S. regulatory authorities in November. US officials said they expect its vaccine to get regulatory clearance this month. The US government expects its first vaccine assignment to include 6.4 million doses, with more to follow.
UK regulatory authorities have already authorized the use of Pfizer vaccine in that country.
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