Kangtai Bio terminates AstraZeneca covid-19 vaccine license

Shenzhen Kangtai Biological Products Co., Ltd. (Kangtai Bio) and AstraZeneca UK Limited have jointly agreed to terminate their license agreement for the ChAdOx1 adenovirus vector COVID-19 vaccine, effective immediately. The original agreement, signed on August 20, 2020, granted Kangtai Bio exclusive rights to develop, produce, and commercialize the vaccine in mainland China.

The decision follows significant changes in global COVID-19 strains and market conditions. Kangtai Bio stated this is a prudent decision aligned with its development strategy, and will not materially impact its production, operations, core business, or financial performance, nor harm the interests of shareholders.

Kangtai Bio confirmed that the termination will not affect its research and development strategy. The company currently has nearly 30 pipeline projects, with 18 already in the registration process. Its R&D pipeline covers various categories including multi-valent and innovative vaccines for all age groups. The company plans to focus its resources on multi-valent, adult, innovative, and therapeutic vaccines to enhance its core competitiveness.