U.S. to invest $3 billion in COVID-19 vaccine supply chain -White House

U.S. to invest $3 bln in COVID-19 vaccine supply chain -White House official The U.S. plans to invest $3 billion in the vaccine supply chain as it continues to work to position itself as a leading supplier of vaccines for the world, a top U.S. health official said on Thursday. Carl O'donnell,Lisa Lambert Reuters

Sept 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. plans to invest $3 billion in the vaccine supply chain as it continues to work to position itself as a leading supplier of vaccines for the world, a top U.S. health official said on Thursday.

The funding, which will begin to be distributed in the coming weeks, will focus on manufacturers of the inputs used in COVID-19 vaccine production as well as facilities that fill and package vaccine vials, White House COVID adviser Jeffrey Zients said during a news conference.

"The investments we are making, the $3 billion, are in U.S. companies that will expand their capacity for critical supplies," Zients said.

He added that areas of focus will include lipids, bioreactor bags, tubing, needles, syringes, and personal protective equipment. The White House has not yet selected specific companies to receive the funds. ...