Qatar to purchase Moderna’s potential coronavirus vaccine

On Sunday, Qatar reported that it signed an agreement with Moderna Inc. (MRNA) to purchase its potential COVID-19 vaccine once approved and released for global use.

Qatar News Agency reported that there are no internationally approved vaccines yet. However, several vaccines would be in advanced trials including Pfizer Inc. (PFE), Johnson & Johnson (JNJ), and Moderna.

“Negotiating early and securing a number of agreements enhances our chances of getting sufficient quantities of the vaccine early,” Hamad Medical Corporation’s Chairman of National COVID-19 Health Group and Head of Infectious Diseases Abdullatif al-Khal.

The Cambridge-based biotechnology company stated that it is also working with Lonza Group AG (LONN) to scale up the potential vaccine’s manufacturing and production outside the United States. Moderna said that it aims to supply international markets.