epa07214916 The Moderna Inc., headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, 07 December 2018. Moderna Inc., a biotech firm that works in RMA genetic messening, has the potential to have the highest stock market debut valuation of 7.5 billion dollars (6.59 billion euros). EPA-EFE/CJ GUNTHER Last week Moderna said its experimental vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19, based on interim data from a late-stage clinical trial.
"I am happy to announce that tomorrow we will approve a new contract to secure another COVID-19 vaccine," Ursula von der Leyen said, adding the deal "allows us to buy up to 160 million doses of a vaccine produced by Moderna."
In August the EU's executive Commission, which co-leads talks with vaccine makers on behalf of member states, said preliminary talks with Moderna had been concluded with the aim of signing a contract for the supply of 80 million doses of its vaccine, with the option of buying another 80 million.
It is the sixth supply deal the EU has negotiated with vaccine makers to secure COVID-19 shots. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio @fraguarascio Editing by Gareth Jones, Alexandra Hudson)