Moderna Signs Deal on Variant-Adapted COVID Shots for World’s Poorest

A bottle containing the new Moderna Spikevax mRNA COVID 19 vaccine stands ready to be drawn into syringes at the centre of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), that opened for the public to get the forth booster dose againt COVID, in Geneva, Switzerland, 10 October 2022. (EPA)
A bottle containing the new Moderna Spikevax mRNA COVID 19 vaccine stands ready to be drawn into syringes at the centre of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), that opened for the public to get the forth booster dose againt COVID, in Geneva, Switzerland, 10 October 2022. (EPA)
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Moderna Signs Deal on Variant-Adapted COVID Shots for World’s Poorest

A bottle containing the new Moderna Spikevax mRNA COVID 19 vaccine stands ready to be drawn into syringes at the centre of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), that opened for the public to get the forth booster dose againt COVID, in Geneva, Switzerland, 10 October 2022. (EPA)
A bottle containing the new Moderna Spikevax mRNA COVID 19 vaccine stands ready to be drawn into syringes at the centre of the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), that opened for the public to get the forth booster dose againt COVID, in Geneva, Switzerland, 10 October 2022. (EPA)

Moderna Inc has agreed to provide its new variant-adapted COVID-19 vaccine to the global scheme aiming to deliver shots to the world's poorest people.

The biotech company and vaccine alliance GAVI will cancel their existing supply deal for vaccines based on the original coronavirus strain. Instead, Moderna will supply up to 100 million doses of its new, variant-adapted vaccines at its lowest available price from 2023.

GAVI leads the COVAX initiative alongside the World Health Organization and other global bodies. The scheme has delivered 1.79 billion doses of COVID vaccine to 146 countries, including nearly 186 million doses of Moderna's original shot.

While at first the initiative struggled for shots as wealthy countries snapped up limited supply, this year it has had a glut of the original vaccines, prompting negotiations to try to better align supply with demand.

Moderna's bivalent COVID vaccine, containing both the original coronavirus strain and the BA.1 Omicron variant, has had approval from regulators worldwide.

GAVI chief executive Seth Berkley said the new agreement was a "critical step for equitable access" to allow lower income countries to use the modified vaccines as they see fit.

Many wealthier countries have started using the vaccine in booster campaigns.

Negotiations with other vaccine manufacturers to adjust supply agreements are going on, GAVI said.



Australian Mare Black Caviar, Unbeaten in 25 Career Races, Dies

 Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in 25 career starts and won 15 Group 1 races and nearly 8 million Australian dollars (more than $5.3 million) in prize money, has died. - The AP
 Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in 25 career starts and won 15 Group 1 races and nearly 8 million Australian dollars (more than $5.3 million) in prize money, has died. - The AP
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Australian Mare Black Caviar, Unbeaten in 25 Career Races, Dies

 Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in 25 career starts and won 15 Group 1 races and nearly 8 million Australian dollars (more than $5.3 million) in prize money, has died. - The AP
 Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in 25 career starts and won 15 Group 1 races and nearly 8 million Australian dollars (more than $5.3 million) in prize money, has died. - The AP

Black Caviar, who was unbeaten in 25 career starts and won 15 Group 1 races and nearly 8 million Australian dollars (more than $5.3 million) in prize money, has died.

Former trainer Peter Moody on Saturday confirmed the death of the 17-year-old mare, who was retired in 2013.

“She was a remarkable horse who gave us all the ride of a life time and wonderful memories," Moody said, The AP reported.

Victoria Racing Club chairman Neil Wilson said Black Caviar helped create “a special moment in time for horse racing and sport more generally.”

“Today’s news is a shock to us all,” Wilson said. "Black Caviar was more than a champion racehorse, she was an important part of life for many people. She has created a piece of history that will be remembered forever, and it was a privilege for all who saw this wonderful equine athlete in action.”