In that context, it is encouraging certain businesses that support the vaccine supply chain to engage with it.
“If your business supplies single use technology consumables/accessories, and/or biobags, and/or filters to the vaccine supply chain, please consider engaging with the VTF by accessing the Prior Information Notice.”
Companies have to register with Delta e-sourcing before completing the feedback form.
In terms of why this market engagement exercise is focusing on such single use technology, biobags and filters, the VTF said initial analysis indicated relevance of such products across the vaccine supply chain, the fact that they have been in short supply throughout the global Covid-19 response and because demand for such products is expected to continue to grow.
“The products are grouped together due to the relative consolidation of the market, with many businesses working across all of these markets and some common issues between them.”
UK Government Vaccine Taskforce (VTF)
Established in April 2020, the VTF is a joint unit of the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and its Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), and consists of a mix of civil servants, external secondees from industry, and contractors.
The VTF wants to secure access to promising Covid-19 vaccines for the UK population as quickly as possible, make provision for international distribution of vaccines, and strengthen the UK’s onshoring capacity and capability in vaccine development, manufacturing, and supply chain to provide resilience for future health emergencies.
The information gathered, said the VTF, will be used to inform decisions about how it can facilitate companies to invest in increasing UK-based capacity and capability within key component areas that directly contribute to vaccine manufacturing.
The deadline for responses to the questionnaire is February 16. The VTF said the feedback it gets will only be used for the purposes of policy development and will not be shared across government.
Boosting the life sciences sector
The VTF said this market engagement exercise is part of a wider UK government strategy to grow the UK life sciences sector, outlined in its Life Sciences Vision. That publication sets out plans to stimulate a thriving life sciences sector and looks at how to address some of the UK’s most significant healthcare challenges, including cancer, dementia, and obesity.
