Medicago, a drug manufacturer in Quebec City, Canada, has announced that it is closing down operations. While Health Canada has approved Medicago?s plant-based vaccine, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially given notice that Medicago?s vaccine will not receive its approval. 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. Additionally, 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, provided his thoughts on the decision.
?We have not that many different types of vaccines on the market,? Libman said. ?The Pfizer, Moderna, vaccines are very similar, they work on a very similar type of principle. And there aren?t that many vaccines. We can compare one type of vaccine to another vaccine and come to a better understanding of what might be the best one to use in a particular circumstance. I think it?s too early to give up entirely on one type of vaccine. Without a good medical reason, I mean.?
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. As such, Ottawa?s plan was to export the Medicago vaccine to poorer countries around the world. However, with the WHO refusing its approval, Libman said that plan is no longer possible.
?Although I understand the reasons why WHO has adopted this kind of policy, in general, in dealing with tobacco products and tobacco companies, this is not a practical approach to dealing with a problem of pandemic, and a problem that we have that?s causing a lot of problems around the world,? Libman said. ?And, consider this situation is so important that, maybe finding some way to make an exception for this.?
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.
