Focus Taiwan
Date: 07/22/2020
By: Chang Ming-hsuan,
Chen Wei-ting and Matthew Mazzetta

Taipei, July 22 (CNA) The Taiwan government will allocate NT$18.7 billion (US$635.6 million) for the development or procurement of a COVID-19 vaccine, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said Wednesday.

Of that amount, NT$13.5 billion will be be spent on research and development in Taiwan or procurement of a vaccine from an overseas source, while NT$5.2 billion will be held as reserve fund, said Health Minister Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), who heads the CECC.

He said the government will provide information Thursday how vaccine makers can apply for the funding.

In terms of the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, three Taiwanese firms have applied for permission to carry out human trials, Chen said, adding that that the government is willing to issue emergency use authorizations (EUAs) to streamline the approval process for high-potential vaccine candidates.    [FULL  STORY]