EPM November/December 2020

Page 10

Opinion At the point of market entry, pricing decisions for Covid-19 vaccines are likely to face close scrutiny.

COVID-19: THE REAL PRIZE FOR BIG PHARMA MAY BE REPUTATIONAL BUT THE RISKS ARE HIGH Authors: Adrian Tombling and Dr Nicholas Jones - partners and patent attorneys at Withers & Rogers

The risks pharmaceutical companies are taking in the attempt to develop a vaccine for Covid-19

W

ith dozens of clinical trials progressing around the world, the pharmaceutical companies involved in the search for a vaccine to prevent the spread of Covid-19 will be eyeing their potential prize. However, the direct commercial rewards for being the first to develop an effective treatment could be underwhelming, so should the industry be looking for value elsewhere? Â There are at least 51 vaccines currently under development around the world, and more than 30 of them have reached significant clinical trials. The fact that so many companies are simultaneously investing in the development of different candidates for the same indication may be unprecedented, and is a direct response to the current health emergency. Despite the efforts being made, the commercial rewards for developing a vaccine and


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