By Aditya Burra
A COVID-19 vaccine is essential for the resumption of a global state of normalcy, and countries are collaborating with each other to produce them. Vaccines typically require years of research and testing before reaching the clinic, but scientists are now racing to produce a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine by as early as next year. Researchers are testing 38 vaccines in clinical trials on humans, and at least 92 preclinical vaccines are under active investigation in animals.
Once a vaccine is developed, however, there is a need for the mass production, distribution and dissemination of said vaccine. Capacities of vaccine-producing labs will need to be expanded manifold, and storage will need to be handled appropriately. Large manufacturers are already converting and expanding their current production facilities, leveraging global and regional value chains to increase capacity. There are huge economies of scale that exist in production.
India has specific advantages here, as it is the third largest producer of generic medicines in the world, as well as its lowest-cost producer. The country also produces 3 billion doses of vaccines as of now, out of which 2 billion are for export. India has the potential to become a very important strategic partner due to this. Indian vaccine producers have already signed deals and partnerships in expectation of this opportunity, and certain demand. In the post-COVID world, a huge volume of vaccines will be required at the most accessible cost. This is where the Indian pharmaceutical industry can become even larger than it already is.
International transportation and logistics firms are preparing to handle this load. Distributing vaccines to the entire global population from the sites of production could require a global airlift of 8,000 Boeing 747 freighters, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). This estimate assumes a single dose requirement, but could be much higher depending on the specific treatment pattern of vaccines.
Once a vaccine is developed, it will need to be made available to all countries, irrespective of their citizens’ ability to pay for it. Supply should initially be directed to countries with a high number of cases that demonstrate an acute need for the vaccine. Policies that ensure that vaccines are given to frontline workers globally will have to be put into action. Distribution networks within countries need to be strengthened, especially in India.
This will necessitate unprecedented levels of global coordination, but will hopefully result in a safer world in the next few years