Israel is negotiating for the rights to purchase coronavirus vaccines currently being developed, including one from Oxford University and AstraZeneca.
The experimental coronavirus vaccine being developed by AstraZeneca and Oxford is safe and produced an immune response in early-stage clinical trials, data showed on Monday, keeping alive the hope it could be in use by the end of the year.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
Although the British company's policy is to sell the vaccine to international organizations to avoid favoring one country over another, Israel is trying its luck and has contacted the company directly. Health Ministry officials said they were working through multiple channels to forge ties and supply Israel with as many vaccines as possible, as quickly as possible.
Thus far, Israel has only signed a deal to purchase vaccines with the firm Moderna. But given that it is unclear which vaccine will be finished and approved first, Israel expects to sign more deals with other firms.
Astra Zeneca Israel said in response to the reports that "As part of efforts to make the vaccine accessible, a decision has been made that international groups and organizations will handle any future distribution of the vaccine between the countries of the world.
"The pharmaceutical company is working day and night to supply a vaccine for COVID-19, if one is found to be safe and effective in the final stage of clinical trials. AstraZeneca is working constantly with the Health Ministry to make vaccines available to the people of Israel," it said.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
