Pfizer’s regional leaders in Africa and the Middle East, AfME, have stated that their Omicron-specific vaccination would be available in less than two months, while also announcing ambitions to deliver breakthrough medicines to 45 percent more patients in the area this year.
At a virtual media roundtable, the leaders announced these and other initiatives, as well as reaffirming their commitment to leading the worldwide battle against COVID-19.
Pfizer’s AfME Regional President, Patrick van der Loo, responded to inquiries by saying that the business was worried about having the most up-to-date vaccinations against all strains of the COVID-19 virus.
“Last year, Pfizer discovered that Omicron would be one of the dominant strains. We’ve set aside a portion of our production capacity for omicron-specific vaccinations, which are now being evaluated. We hope to receive the results in one or two months, and it will then be up to individual governments to decide whether they want the immunizations or the Omicron Specific vaccine.”
He said that the Pfizer vaccine was proven to be effective against the virus after two doses. “You’ll have approximately 91 percent protection or effectiveness with two doses, which means you’ll have a 91 percent probability of not becoming infected with the virus.” However, we discovered that Omicron, which is more recalcitrant, had a 70 percent effectiveness or protection with our vaccine. We can achieve Herd immunity with vaccinations given to the majority of the population.”
He asked the media to convey the correct messages and obtain accurate information from the appropriate sources, since inaccurate information leads to vaccination reluctance in some nations.
He went on to say that Pfizer has committed to providing 2 billion doses of its COVID-19 vaccine to low and middle-income nations in 2021 and 2022, a total of at least 1 billion doses each year.
“We have fulfilled this pledge for 2021 and as of February 6, 2022, we have delivered more than 1.1 billion doses to 101 low and middle-income countries. When it comes to our novel COVID-19 antiviral treatment (Paxlovid), we expect to produce 120 million treatment courses in 2022, depending on the global need. In the Middle East, Paxlovid is now available in many countries, and we are currently engaged in discussions with other local governments,” Van der Loo added.
He went on to say that the business is releasing more than 50 items across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe to address unmet needs and major public health issues.
The panel also discussed how Pfizer is promoting health equality in the region by offering affordable medications to individuals who can’t afford them, as well as enrollment methods and flexible payment alternatives.
Van der Loo said: “As we continue to raise the bar within science and patient impact in the region, we are seeking even stronger collaborations with healthcare professionals, communities, and governments to ensure greater access to our breakthroughs.
“In 2021, we have reached more than 4.1 million patients across AfME and inspiring to increase patients’ access by more than 45 per cent in 2022.
“We are preparing over 50 product releases this year, in addition to the 100 innovations accessible in the region to help patients across six therapeutic categories – vaccines, cancer, inflammation and immunology, internal medicine, rare illnesses, and anti-infectives and sterile injectables.”
He said they hope to launch more than 5 new programmes in 2022, in addition to expanding some of the current ones to include new treatments, after supporting the lives of over 4,500 patients suffering from various oncology, inflammatory, and rare diseases through our 30 access programmes in 11 countries across the region last year. “Our goal for this year is to help over 10,000 patients across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.”
Yasser El Dershaby, Vice President and Regional Medical Lead at Pfizer AfME, stated that patients and innovations were at the heart of what they did.
He stated that in 2021, AfME produced data in 44 publications, 20 non-interventional studies (NIS), and 18 clinical trials, and that this year, they plan to bring more Phase I and II clinical trials to South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Gulf countries, as well as develop several programmes to strengthen research capabilities and develop infrastructure.
“Pfizer has committed $24.5 million to date, with an additional $33.8 million projected in the following years to build up production.”
