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AstraZeneca gets partial immunity in EU deal

Liability has been a stumbling block between the EU and COVID-19 vaccine makers.

But on Friday (September 25) a Brussels official told Reuters that AstraZeneca has secured the EU's backing in a confidential agreement.

The official said it reflects the lower price sought by the British drugmaker for the vaccine.

European governments will pay legal claims above an agreed limit against AstraZeneca, over potential side-effects.

The official added that the terms are different to that struck with rival Sanofi.

The French drugmaker and UK partner GlaxoSmithKline are charging four times as much per dose, but get no liability waiver.

Both agreements though show the world's top drugmakers are determined to protect themselves, as the debate over liabilities rages on.

Unexpected side-effects after a drug has regulatory approval are rare.

But the speed at which a COVID-19 vaccine is being pursued increases the risks.

The deal with AstraZeneca shifts some of that risk to taxpayers.

Agreed in August, the financial shield would cover both legal costs and potential compensation.

Spokespeople for AstraZeneca, Sanofi and the European Commission declined to comment on the specifics of the deals.

The agreement with AstraZeneca was negotiated before it paused late-stage trials this month after a British volunteer developed neurological symptoms.

Trials have resumed in Britain but not in the United States.