The UK is the first to get coronavirus vaccines from several biotech companies, one of them backed by Bill Gates.
A few hours ago the UK government revealed its reserve of coronavirus (COVID-19) treatments, having recently secured 90 million doses of potential vaccines.
Britain’s new deal with Germany’s BioNTech and Pfizer (backed by Bill Gates) obtained 30 million doses of their joint mRNA vaccine, a first for any world government. The two companies joined forces in March to accelerate development. Both companies are listed in the United States, and their shares rose 6.5% and 3.25% respectively.
There is another company in France, Valneva, that will provide 60 million doses of its vaccine, and the UK has the option to buy another 40 million doses if the result is proven. Valneva has increased its shares more than 12%.
Relationship with Bill Gates
In addition to financing the company Pfizer, responsible for this first vaccine to reach the UK, the Gates Foundation also donated 750 million to AstraZeneca to finance the manufacture and distribution of 300 million doses of another of its possible treatments, the AZD1222 vaccine, and the UK is already prepared to receive 100 million doses of it. AstraZeneca has increased its shares by 2.5%.
The goal now is for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to have access to sufficient doses to vaccinate and protect identified priority groups, such as frontline healthcare workers.
In this way the UK has three different types of possible COVID-19 treatments, now volunteers are needed to test them. 500,000 people are believed to be signing up through October.
