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What a juicy story the Telegraph have about GSK making vaccines for the government and a scientific advisor having GSK shares!
Except... https://twitter.com/globalhlthtwit/status/1308885294721257474
Except... https://twitter.com/globalhlthtwit/status/1308885294721257474
The trouble is that GSK is not actually making this vaccine. It is Sanofi's vacccine. GSK is sharing its technology to make vaccines better (called an adjuvant) to any firm that wants them. (And quite a lot do.)
Earlier this year, CEO Emma Walmsley said they wanted to help by sharing their adjuvant, and it wasn't a commercial venture. Because pandemic.
It was popular and is now used by covid vaccine makers such as @sanofi. Vir. @Innovax. Clover. Medicago Inc.
Remarkable, actually.
It was popular and is now used by covid vaccine makers such as @sanofi. Vir. @Innovax. Clover. Medicago Inc.
Remarkable, actually.
So GSK are making a billion doses of adjuvant.
They started at risk in May. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-announces-intention-to-produce-1-billion-doses-of-pandemic-vaccine-adjuvant/
They started at risk in May. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/press-releases/gsk-announces-intention-to-produce-1-billion-doses-of-pandemic-vaccine-adjuvant/
In the event GSK's tie-ups make money, firm says, "it will be invested in support of coronavirus related research and long-term pandemic preparedness, either through GSK’s internal investments, or with external partners."
Why? Because pandemic.
Why? Because pandemic.
Even if Vallance had some control over the UK's vaccine buying (and even the Telegraph admits in almost last paragraph that ministers make the decision)... and even if Sanofi does make a profit.... and even some of this goes to GSK, ......shareholders are not going to benefit.
