(NAFB) It looks like the first plant-based COVID-19 vaccine has withered on the vine. Medicago, the Quebec City, Canada drug manufacturer has announced that it is closing down operations. While Health Canada has approved Medicago’s plant-based vaccine, the World Health Organization has officially given notice that Medicago’s vaccine will not receive its approval. That decision is based on what some within the research community see as a WHO policy technicality.
The plant-host utilized in Medicago’s vaccine is a relative of the tobacco plant and the WHO has a strict, longstanding policy against engaging with tobacco products and companies. As well, Phillip-Morris, a major tobacco company, holds a 21 percent investment-stake in Medicago. Based on those facts, the WHO has officially declined to give its approval for the Medicago vaccine.
Dr. Michael Libman, who led phase two and phase three trials of the vaccine, believes that due to Medicago’s unique makeup within the COVID vaccine spectrum, should be granted an exception.
In late 2021, Health Canada approved Medicago’s vaccine. Clinical trials showed 71 per cent effectiveness.
The Canadian government has already invested more than $170 Million toward Medicago’s new facility in Quebec City and its ongoing research. Ottawa has also signed a deal to buy 20 million doses with a promise for 56 million more doses over time.
With Canada’s population exceeding an 85 percent vaccination rate, the Canadian population doesn’t need that many more doses. So, Ottawa’s plan was to export the Medicago vaccine to poorer countries around the world.
But, with the WHO refusing its approval, Dr. Michael Libman says that plan is no longer tenable.
Medicago’s parent company, Mitsubishi Chemical Group, has formally announced plans to wind down Medicago’s research facilities in Quebec City over the next several months.
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Submitted by Chad Smith on Fri, 02/17/2023 – 11:16
Source: NAFB News Service
Audio provided by NAFB News Service
Audio with Dr. Michael Libman, researcher with Medicago, Quebec City, Canada
