AZ-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine authorized by WHO; plus vaccine updates from Novavax-SK, J&J and Pfizer-BioNTech 

The WHO has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to the adenoviral vector COVID-19 vaccine developed by AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN; NASDAQ:AZN) and the University of Oxford. The authorization covers the versions manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and AZ: COVISHIELD and COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca (AZD1222), respectively. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommendations include use in countries where SARS-CoV-2 variants including B.1.1.7 and B.1.351, which were first identified in the U.K. and South Africa, respectively, are prevalent; and that prime and booster immunizations be separated by 8-12 weeks. Under the EUL, the vaccine’s two shots may be delivered 4-12 weeks apart.

Serum Institute and AZ aim to make over 300 million vaccine doses available through COVAX to 145 countries this half...