Bavaria Considers Purchasing Sputnik V Vaccine Pending EMA Approval

Key Insights

• Bavaria has negotiated a preliminary contract to receive 2.5 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, pending approval by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
• R-Pharm Germany, a subsidiary of Russian drugmaker R-Pharm, could potentially produce the Sputnik V vaccine in Bavaria, contingent on EMA approval.
• Several EU member states have criticized the slow pace of vaccine distribution, with some, like Austria and Slovakia, also considering negotiating for the Russian vaccine.

The German state of Bavaria is considering the purchase of 2.5 million doses of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, despite it not yet being approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). A "preliminary contract" has been negotiated, according to regional leader Markus Soder.

Soder stated that Bavaria would receive the doses if Sputnik V gains approval in Europe. This move comes amid criticism of the EU's vaccine distribution efforts, which some member states perceive as slow. Austria and Slovakia have also expressed interest in negotiating for the Russian vaccine.

R-Pharm Germany, a subsidiary of Russian pharmaceutical giant R-Pharm, has a production line in Illertissen, Bavaria. This facility could potentially produce the Sputnik V vaccine, pending regulatory approval. Hungary is currently the only EU member state using Sputnik V to vaccinate its citizens.