AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccines made by Siam Bioscience pass quality testing in Europe and U.S.

[webfact]

 

By Tarin Angskul

 

BANGKOK (NNT) - AstraZeneca announced today that the samples from test batches of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Siam Bioscience had passed quality testing at AstraZeneca’s designated laboratories in Europe and in the U.S.

 

Mr. James Teague, Country President, AstraZeneca (Thailand) Ltd., said: “We have seen significant and promising progress in AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine development in Thailand during past weeks. First, the Thai Food and Drug Administration approved Siam Bioscience as a manufacturing facility for the COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca. Last week, samples of COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca made by Siam Bioscience passed the full tests and standard set by the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) covering requirements such as chemical composition and safety. And today, I am happy to be able to inform you that the samples from test batches of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Siam Bioscience have passed quality testing at AstraZeneca’s designated laboratories in Europe and in the U.S. This significant progress means that we are getting closer to delivering the first batch of the vaccine to the government of Thailand.”

 

Numerous safety tests and quality control measures are carried out at each step of manufacturing and distribution. This includes completing all steps in the quality assurance process, with each batch of vaccine undergoing more than 60 different quality control tests during its journey from manufacture to vaccination. To ensure consistent quality across supply chains, AstraZeneca has built an extensive analytical network globally.

 

In addition, AstraZeneca works closely with local health authorities such as the Thai FDA, and the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) to ensure local standards are met.

 

“Our focus is on delivering vaccines as quickly as possible whilst ensuring adherence to the highest safety and quality standards and processes. We will continue to work closely with the government to achieve that. We are well aware that increasing concerns and questions have been raised around vaccine safety and the availability of supply to help Thais and people in Southeast Asia to fight this terrible COVID-19 pandemic. I want to once again reiterate AstraZeneca’s commitment that we are putting science and the interests of society at the heart of our work. And we will remain true to our values by continuing to work with governments and other organizations towards broad and equitable access to the vaccine in a timely manner, and at no profit during the pandemic.” said Mr. Teague.

 

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine has been granted a conditional marketing authorization for emergency use in more than 70 countries, with the World Health Organization (WHO) Emergency Use Listing now accelerating the pathway to access in up to 142 countries through the COVAX Facility.

 

The vaccine is well-tolerated, and highly effective against all disease severities and across all adult age groups, according to data from clinical trials involving up to 60,000 participants and emerging real-world evidence from tens of millions of people.

 

Regulatory authorities in the U.K., the European Union, and the WHO have concluded that the benefits of using COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca to protect people from this virus significantly outweigh any risks.

 

-- © Copyright NNT 2021-05-10

 

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[sammieuk1]

Say that one more time for the generals and above .. And at no profit during the pandemic.” said Mr. Teague.????

[bluesofa]

Why do I suddenly imagine a 'shortage' of this vaccine in Thailand?

[nkg]

A Thai scientist monitoring vaccine production:

 

 

[harada]

This should buy a few chalets.

 

[ezzra]

The only bit of news we care to read of the OP, is when and how soon this liquid gold life saver will be available EVERYWHERE in the country...

[ikke1959]

Ok now a few months waiting for approval by the FDA.... In the meantime the EU stops in June with ordering Astra Zenica because of the many side effects, and problems with the delivering/contract

Edited May 10, 2021 by ikke1959

[kamahele]

Am I missing when the vaccine production will begin for use in country?

[Aforek]

25 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Ok now a few months waiting for approval by the FDA.... In the meantime the EU stops in June with ordering Astra Zenica because of the many side effects, and problems with the delivering/contract

True ... bad news from Astra ; I am  waiting  for the approval of Pfizer ; Astra doesn't seem so good, Pfizer better for the Indian variant 

[mrfill]

5 minutes ago, Aforek said:

True ... bad news from Astra ; I am  waiting  for the approval of Pfizer ; Astra doesn't seem so good, Pfizer better for the Indian variant 

You think it is better to wait for your choice rather than get protected as soon as possible ? You have no evidence about the effectiveness of any vaccine against any variant. This is not going to be a 'once for lifetime' vaccination and there will be new and different vaccines coming out for years to come. Just get some protection now. AZ does work - just look at the UK figures now, mostly down to AZ.

[Pattaya Spotter]

Should be good stuff. 

[cclub75]

59 minutes ago, ikke1959 said:

Ok now a few months waiting for approval by the FDA.... In the meantime the EU stops in June with ordering Astra Zenica because of the many side effects, and problems with the delivering/contract

 

Even the UK, after months of denial... does not recommend anymore AstraZeneca for people under 40 years old...

 

Source : https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-advises-under-40s-take-alternative-astrazeneca-covid-19-shot-2021-05-07/

 

So most of Europe + UK (eventhough the age limit changes)... I'm wondering what will be the position of the thai government when the local factory will produce millions of doses... ????

 

Only for old people ?

 

But in that case, what the young people will be able to get ? The chinese vaccine ?

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by cclub75

[Kiujunn]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

to ensure local standards are met.

That's the problem

[hotchilli]

3 hours ago, webfact said:

And we will remain true to our values by continuing to work with governments and other organizations towards broad and equitable access to the vaccine in a timely manner, and at no profit during the pandemic.” said Mr. Teague.

Should the AZ vaccine find itself in the hands of private Thai hospitals, who in turn charge people will he be available to question how that occurred, as the premise was free vaccination for all.

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, bluesofa said:

Why do I suddenly imagine a 'shortage' of this vaccine in Thailand?

I can imagine a split in available vaccines...

A large percentage [free] for Thais distributed by government.

Another smaller percentage suddenly available at private hospitals who will charge foreigners.

[hotchilli]

11 minutes ago, cclub75 said:

So most of Europe + UK (eventhough the age limit changes)... I'm wondering what will be the position of the thai government when the local factory will produce millions of doses... ????

The FDA and government will say it's the best thing since slice bread.

Safe for everyone...... as researched by them.

[mtls2005]

2 hours ago, nkg said:

A Thai scientist monitoring vaccine production:

 

The "pool" at Watthana Pannich.

 

 

 

This is great news.

 

Hopefully the ~ 6 million doses due in June roll off the line.

 

Still would like to see more transparency on this but understand the limitations.

 

 

 

[sathornlover]

16 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

I can imagine a split in available vaccines...

A large percentage [free] for Thais distributed by government.

Another smaller percentage suddenly available at private hospitals who will charge foreigners.

If these vaccine doses for foreigners were available promptly in private hospitals, I would have no problem at all. The mere fact that I would not have to queue up in front of the state hospitals would be worth a few thousand baths to me!
 

My guess is that this will be the case in 2-3 months at the earliest.

[Caldera]

That's great news and much needed at this very time. Hopefully they can deliver without delays down the line.

[Boomer6969]

Hmmh, ok, since the EU have cancelled their orders there should be no more shortage of this product, which is clearly inferior to the  RNA vaccines and reported lethal in some instances. 

[mfd101]

I can't help noticing that the whining & grizzling that goes on here is much the same as the whining & grizzling you can hear in every 'Western' country.

 

Funny that.

[skatewash]

1 hour ago, cclub75 said:

 

Even the UK, after months of denial... does not recommend anymore AstraZeneca for people under 40 years old...

 

Source : https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uk-advises-under-40s-take-alternative-astrazeneca-covid-19-shot-2021-05-07/

 

So most of Europe + UK (eventhough the age limit changes)... I'm wondering what will be the position of the thai government when the local factory will produce millions of doses... ????

 

Only for old people ?

 

But in that case, what the young people will be able to get ? The chinese vaccine ?

 

The answer to your questions from the article (emphasis added):

 

 

Quote

 

Officials emphasised the benign domestic conditions that provided the context for the decision, on the same day that Germany went the other direction and made the shot available to all adults who might want it. read more
 

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)said the advice reflected low levels of COVID-19 infection in Britain and the availability of other vaccines made by Pfizer (PFE.N) and Moderna (MRNA.O).
 

Officials said Britain would still offer a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to all adults by the end of July, and emphasised it was better for people in the age group to receive AstraZeneca's shot if no other one was available.

 

 

[finnsk]

Astra zeneca is much better than no protection against Covid and there is transparency about the sideeffects, what do we know about the chinese vaccines ?

 

If we can not get Pfizer or Moderna, then I will be happy to take Astra zeneca. I am not happy about the chinese vaccines without any informations or serious international approvals

[DLock]

That's good news that the vaccine has assed quality tests in USA and Europe.

 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

In addition, AstraZeneca works closely with local health authorities such as the Thai FDA, and the Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) to ensure local standards are met.

 

...but I doubt for 1 second any tests the Thai's can do will surpass the testing done in US and Europe.

 

So, rubber stamp it already and let's start shipping it to the Thai people.

 

I highly doubt, given the choice, any foreigner will take AZ over Pfizer in a private hospital.

 

If it open's up Thailand, then what' a few blood clots an facial paralysis?

[kingofthemountain]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

“Our focus is on delivering vaccines as quickly as possible whilst ensuring adherence to the highest safety and quality standards and processes. We will continue to work closely with the government to achieve that. We are well aware that increasing concerns and questions have been raised around vaccine safety and the availability of supply to help Thais and people in Southeast Asia to fight this terrible COVID-19 pandemic. I want to once again reiterate .....” said Mr. Teague.

Blablabla...

 

The delivery of the vaccines wasn't supposed to start in May ?

 

Now the Thai governement is saying the mass vaccination will start in june and less than 3 weeks before this date Mt Teague is still not able to give a precise starting date nor the numbers of doses that will be delivered monthly?

 

My bet is in june they will be an anouncement about the vaccination starting in july...

 

 

Edited May 10, 2021 by kingofthemountain

[Fex Bluse]

6 hours ago, webfact said:

AstraZeneca announced today that the samples from test batches of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Siam Bioscience had passed quality testing at AstraZeneca’s designated laboratories in Europe and in the U.S

 

Good job. I'm sure there was a learning curve. Now, get the country's population vaccinated ASAP. 

[realfunster]

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

Ok now a few months waiting for approval by the FDA.... In the meantime the EU stops in June with ordering Astra Zenica because of the many side effects, and problems with the delivering/contract

 

You are being quite loose with the facts there.

EU is stopping ordering because of delivery (read political) issues NOT many side effects. AFAIK only the mighty Denmark has stopped AZ because of side effects reasons.

 

If you want to check AZ results and side effects on 50 million doses delivered in real life, there is a little island at the front of the pack in significantly reducing COVID and getting back to normality - the UK. 

[greenmonkey]

Is this the REAL reason that there has been no rollout of vaccines so far... the govt have been waiting for this so that they can rollout their locally produced vaccine... I wonder who benefits from this...hmm!!

[ikke1959]

1 hour ago, realfunster said:

 

You are being quite loose with the facts there.

EU is stopping ordering because of delivery (read political) issues NOT many side effects. AFAIK only the mighty Denmark has stopped AZ because of side effects reasons.

 

If you want to check AZ results and side effects on 50 million doses delivered in real life, there is a little island at the front of the pack in significantly reducing COVID and getting back to normality - the UK. 

https://www.ad.nl/binnenland/hogere-kans-op-bijwerkingen-astrazeneca-zorginstelling-plant-uit-voorzorg-vrije-dagen-in~ad15688e/ 

I am sorry to tell you that in the Dutch news there is item about the side effects of the Astra Zenica. Unfortunately it is in Dutch and not in English but I giving you the link. Maybe with Google translate you can read it. It says the Astra Zenica has more side effects than other vaccines

[Sheryl]

5 hours ago, kamahele said:

Am I missing when the vaccine production will begin for use in country?

Production is already underway.

 

The big unknown is how much will be ready how soon