Japan Eyeing Coronavirus Vaccine From Overseas


Japan eyeing coronavirus vaccine from overseas

Japan's health ministry has set up a new team aimed at leading negotiations with overseas developers of coronavirus vaccines.

Health minister Kato Katsunobu revealed on Monday that negotiations between the team and pharmaceutical companies are underway as part of efforts to secure vaccines for the country.

The revelation came at a meeting where Kato received a written proposal from officials of Komeito, the junior coalition partner of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

The Komeito officials pointed out that Japan lags behind Western countries in such negotiations. They called on the government to step up efforts.

Kato suggested that coronavirus vaccines will become available in the country early next year at the quickest.