Project profile — COVID-19 vaccine research and development

This project aims to support the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) to help the development, manufacture, and ultimate distribution of up to 1.2 billion COVID-19 vaccine(s) through a fair allocation system within 12 to18 months. Project activities include: (1) supporting research and development of up to 5 vaccine candidates; and (2) supporting manufacturing and distribution of up to 1.2 billion vaccine doses by 2021.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) strengthened global preparedness for known epidemic and pandemic threats; (2) strengthened global response to emerging pandemic threats; and (3) improved collaboration between public and private pandemic preparedness and response stakeholders.

Results achieved as of May 2022 include: (1) developed 8 COVID-19 vaccine candidates with CEPI support. 7 of them progressed into Phase II or III clinical trials; (2) the World Health Organization authorized 3 COVID-19 vaccine candidates (Astra Zeneca, Moderna and Novavax) for emergency use; (3) 5 candidates (AZ/Uni Oxford, CureVac, Clover, Moderna and Novavax,) published primary endpoint analysis of pivotal trial (AZ/Uni Oxford, Moderna, Novavax, CureVac and Clover); and (4) delivered over 900 million COVID-19 vaccine doses in 2021 (reaching 95% of target).