PMI terminates collaboration with Medicago after Covifenz rejection

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.