PMI terminates collaboration with Medicago after Covifenz rejection

Dec.27.2022
PMI terminates collaboration with Medicago after Covifenz rejection
PMI ends collaboration with Medicago after WHO rejects Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine; Medicago seeks new investor.

According to a tobacco control organization, following the World Health Organization's rejection of Medicago's COVID-19 vaccine product Covifenz, Philip Morris International (PMI) has terminated its collaboration with healthcare organization Medicago Inc (a Canadian Quebec-based biopharmaceutical company).


According to Bloomberg, Covifenz, the world's first plant-based COVID-19 vaccine, was developed jointly by Mitsubishi Chemical, Phyto International, and Medicago, owned by GlaxoSmithKline. The Canadian government provided $173 million (approximately RMB 1.2 billion) in funding for its development and has approved its use.


The Quebec government in Canada has announced its intention to assist Medicago, a biotech company, in replacing its shareholder, Phi-Mo International, with another investor. This move will enable the company to distribute its Covifenz COVID-19 vaccine worldwide.


Les Hagen, the Executive Director of non-profit organization ASH Canada, stated in a press release on Monday that "tobacco companies, vaccines, and governments don't mix well, and we support the decision to expel Phibro International from the Medicago partnership.


The World Health Organization has refused Medicago's request for emergency use listing due to its affiliation with the tobacco industry.


Earlier this year, Medicago announced layoffs, with 62 employees being cut from its manufacturing plant in Durham, North Carolina. This facility played a critical role in producing the company's COVID-19 vaccine made from tobacco plants.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Product | Adjustable Flavor Strength and Acidity via Rotating Dial: LOST MARY Launches ULTRASONIC 35K in U.S.
Product | Adjustable Flavor Strength and Acidity via Rotating Dial: LOST MARY Launches ULTRASONIC 35K in U.S.
LOST MARY has released the ULTRASONIC 35K disposable vape in the U.S., offering up to 35,000 puffs. It features a rotating dial to adjust flavor strength and sourness, plus an LED screen showing battery and e-liquid levels. The device is priced at $16.99 and is now available in the U.S.
May.28
Singapore Cracks Down on Vaping Network; Man Charged for Distributing Nearly 3 Tons of Products
Singapore Cracks Down on Vaping Network; Man Charged for Distributing Nearly 3 Tons of Products
A 21-year-old Malaysian man was charged for distributing nearly three tons of e-cigarettes in Bishan and Ubi, Singapore, in one day. He is out on $25,000 bail, with a hearing on August 11. This case highlights Singapore’s growing e-cigarette problem, with authorities seizing $41 million worth of vaping products between January 2024 and March 2025—five times more than from 2019 to 2023.
Jul.17 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Journal Digest | ITGA Tobacco Courier Issue 88: The Brazilian Model and the New Global Tobacco Landscape
Journal Digest | ITGA Tobacco Courier Issue 88: The Brazilian Model and the New Global Tobacco Landscape
As ITGA’s media partner, 2Firsts provides this digest summarizing Brazil’s tobacco model and key global production data, offering readers a clear industry overview.
Jul.02
U.S. Appeals Court Backs FDA Decision: Rejects SWT's Appeal Against Menthol E-Cigarette Ban
U.S. Appeals Court Backs FDA Decision: Rejects SWT's Appeal Against Menthol E-Cigarette Ban
The U.S. Appeals Court sided with the FDA and rejected SWT's appeal regarding its menthol-flavored e-cigarette marketing application, stating that the company failed to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating that the product benefits public health.
Jun.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
US Study: Inadequate Nicotine Pouch Packaging Sparks Concerns Over Child Safety
US Study: Inadequate Nicotine Pouch Packaging Sparks Concerns Over Child Safety
A new study shows a 760% surge in nicotine poisoning cases among children under six, with novel nicotine pouches identified as the main culprit. Experts are calling for stronger child safety protections.
Jul.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Heated Tobacco Battle Heats Up in South Korea: KT&G Launches Half-Price Promotion, PMI Ramps Up Marketing
Heated Tobacco Battle Heats Up in South Korea: KT&G Launches Half-Price Promotion, PMI Ramps Up Marketing
KT&G and Philip Morris Korea are locked in fierce competition in South Korea’s heated tobacco market. KT&G is offering its new Lil Solid Easy at half price, while Philip Morris is targeting youth through music festival campaigns. With just a 1% market share gap, the battle is intensifying.
Jul.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai