VIRUS VACCINE Several coronavirus vaccines on track to be ‘available by the end of this year’

SEVERAL coronavirus vaccines will be available by the end of this year, the world’s leading drugs companies suggested today.

The upbeat message came as the pharmaceutical giants said they had set aside commercial rivalries to develop jabs together.

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Coronavirus vaccines will be available by the end of this year, the world’s leading drugs companies has suggested
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Coronavirus vaccines will be available by the end of this year, the world’s leading drugs companies has suggestedCredit: AP:Associated Press
Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, said: “The hope of many people is that we will have a vaccine — hopefully several — before the end of this year.”

His company is among members of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations working with universities and governments on vaccines.

Ten potential vaccines are already in trials worldwide, including one from the University of Oxford.

The IFPMA’s Thomas Cueni said: “We are in there together – and these companies will deliver.

“We will find a vaccine or vaccines in collaboration and partnership.

“I’m convinced with all the challenges, the question marks, the science will win. And we will come up with vaccines.”

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Pfizer boss Dr Albert Bourla said: “Our only rival right now is the virus.”

But he added: “Our scientists, they have their own pride – everybody wants to be the one that brings it first.

“And I think that’s very good and very healthy because this gives them an extra oomph – but really this is about humanity and we need to hope that everybody will be successful as soon as possible.”