Catalan-developed Covid-19 vaccine set for use beyond Europe after WHO approval 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has formally approved the Bimervax vaccine against Covid-19 made by Catalan biotech pharmaceutical company Hipra, meaning it can now be distributed beyond Europe. 

The vaccine had already been approved by other authorities such as the European Medicines Agency (EMA), the European Commission (EC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 

Hipra welcomed the announcement from WHO and pointed out that the Bimervax vaccine has characteristics that make it easier to distribute; specifically, it being a recombinant protein vaccine that is stored between 2°C and 8°C. 

WHO deemed the vaccine safe and effective after a series of assessments, inspections, specific testing and periodic investigations.   

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) approved the use of Hipra's Covid-19 vaccine as a booster shot in March. 

Spain purchased 3.2 million doses of it in April at a cost of €31 million. 

Catalan multinational 

The company based in Amer, near Girona in north Catalonia, has a significant international presence with 40 subsidiaries, 3 research and development centers and six production plants strategically located in Europe (Spain) and the Americas (Brazil).