(Adds details from PM's spokesman)
LONDON, Nov 16 (Reuters) - Britain said it was in advanced
talks to access an experimental COVID-19 vaccine developed by
Moderna Inc after it reported positive trial results on
Monday, adding it would be available in Britain from in spring
2021 at the earliest.
Interim data from a late-stage trial indicated Moderna's
vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19.
Although Britain has secured a total of 350 million doses of
vaccine candidates from six different suppliers - including a
Pfizer Inc. vaccine found to be more than 90% effective
- it does not have a finalised agreement for the Moderna
vaccine.
"As part of the ongoing work of the Vaccines Taskforce, the
government is in advanced discussions with Moderna to ensure UK
access to their vaccine as part of the wider UK portfolio," a
government spokesperson said.
"Moderna are currently scaling up their European supply
chain which means these doses would become available in spring
2021 in the UK at the earliest."
Prime Minister Boris Johnson's spokesman said the government
had prioritised deals with vaccine developers who could provide
early supply to Britain and have advanced manufacturing supply
chains in place.
(Reporting by Paul Sandle and Elizabeth Piper; Writing by
William James, Editing by Kate Holton and Alistair Smout)