The Livingston plant of French company Valneva SE is preparing to deliver up to 60 million COVID-19 vaccines by next year as part of a £1.3 billion deal with the UK Government.
Nantes-based Valneva, a specialty vaccine company focused on “prevention against diseases with major unmet needs” announced a vaccine partnership with the UK government for its inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, VLA2001.
Under the agreement, if vaccine development is successful, Valneva will provide the UK government with 60 million doses in the second half of 2021.
The UK Government then has options over 40 million doses in 2022 and a further 30 million to 90 million doses, in aggregate, across 2023 to 2025.
Revenue from these options could amount to almost €900 million.
Valneva’s inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is expected to have a two dose regimen.
The UK government is also investing up-front in the scale up and development of the vaccine, with the investment being recouped against the vaccine supply under the partnership.
The agreement follows the initial intent to participate in the UK Government’s COVID-19 vaccine response announced in July.
Valneva chief financial officer David Lawrence said: “Our proven track record and manufacturing capability in Scotland underpins this partnership.
“Through our recent discussions we’ve built a great working relationship with UK Government.
“I’d like to acknowledge the contributions of UK government task force and colleagues as well as other stakeholders including West Lothian, Scottish and UK politicians who are supporting the ongoing work.
“We see a fantastic spirit across all stakeholders to make this partnership succeed.”
UK Business Secretary Alok Sharma said, “Having visited Valneva just last month, I have seen first-hand the incredible work they are doing to develop and manufacture a Covid-19 vaccine.
“This new agreement could help us vaccinate millions of people across the country, as well as help create a UK vaccine manufacturing facility to speed up access to a potential Covid-19 candidate and boost the country’s resilience against future pandemics.”