Home

Australia in ‘advanced negotiations’ to manufacture coronavirus vaccine

News Corp Australia
The Sunday Telegraph reports the federal government is in the final stages of negotiations with a manufacturer to produce the drug from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.
Camera IconThe Sunday Telegraph reports the federal government is in the final stages of negotiations with a manufacturer to produce the drug from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca. Credit: Ted S. Warren/AP

Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed Australia is in "advanced negotiations" to have a coronavirus vaccine manufactured Down Under.

His comments follow a report that Australia is days away from signing a deal with Oxford University to produce its "promising" vaccine.

The Sunday Telegraph reports the federal government is in the final stages of negotiations with a manufacturer to produce the drug from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.

The UK-based company recently signed the European Union’s first finalised vaccine supply agreement, and has pledged to supply 400 doses of experimental vaccine AZD1222.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Mr Hunt said he was "optimistic" a vaccine was close, but declined to confirm details in The Sunday Telegraph report.

"We are in advanced negotiations with a range of different companies with regards to a vaccine," Mr Hunt told Sky News on Sunday morning.

"I am now on the basis of our best advice genuinely more optimistic.

"I think the work is moving closer to a vaccine."

Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed Australia is in "advanced negotiations" to have a coronavirus vaccine manufactured Down Under.
Camera IconHealth Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed Australia is in "advanced negotiations" to have a coronavirus vaccine manufactured Down Under. Credit: MICK TSIKAS/AAPIMAGE

While optimistic, Mr Hunt said it was still most likely a vaccine would be available next year at the earliest.

"Before then, then that would be an outstanding result, not just for Australia but for the world," he said.

His comments come after Mexico and Argentina reached agreements to produce the COVID-19 vaccine, designed by Oxford University.

Last week, former chief medical officer Brendan Murphy confirmed Australia was exploring its options for a vaccine, saying once a deal was locked in it would take just weeks to begin production.

"We have been closely following all of the vaccine developments, we are actively discussing with all of the so far successful candidates, we are not at the back of the queue," Dr Murphy said.

"There will be further announcements shortly.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails