Japan in talks to secure coronavirus vaccine from AstraZeneca

Daiichi Sankyo to distribute doses if UK development is successful

AstraZeneca aims to supply Japan with a vaccine in cooperation with its group companies, Daiichi Sankyo and Meiji Holdings. © Reuters

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

June 26, 2020 17:57 JST

Updated on June 27, 2020 01:56 JST

TOKYO -- Japanese pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo is in discussions to secure Japan supplies of a potential coronavirus vaccine being developed by British pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and Oxford University.

Daiichi Sankyo announced in a news release that a subsidiary in Saitama Prefecture would receive undiluted solution of the potential vaccine known as AZD1222 and then carry out formulation work, packaging and storage in Japan.