EU in advanced talks with Johnson & Johnson on Covid-19 vaccine deal

Brussels

THE European Commission is in advanced talks with pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson to reserve or buy upfront doses of its Covid-19 vaccine under development, two officials said.

The move would be the first arranged by the European Union (EU) executive since it was mandated last week by the 27 EU national governments to use an emergency fund with more than 2 billion euros (S$3.13 billion) available to reach advance purchase or call-option deals with up to six vaccine makers.