Moderna is reportedly making preparations for the launch of its highly anticipated COVID-19 vaccine, raking in $1.1 billion in deposits from governments across the globe. The company has distribution agreements in the Middle East and North America.

In a statement, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel said, "We are actively preparing for the launch of mRNA-1273 and we have signed a number of supply agreements with governments around the world."

Currently, Moderna is in talks with the World Health Organization (WHO) backed COVAX initiative over a tiered pricing proposal. Furthermore, the company is awaiting approval from European regulators to greenlight the safety of the vaccine.

“Moderna is committed to the highest data quality standards and rigorous scientific research as we continue to work with regulators to advance mRNA-1273," said Bancel.

Last week, the company announced it had completed enrollment for its late-stage trial with 30,000 participants.

Critics have pointed out that COVID-19 trials lack in 'diversity'; something Moderna has worked to address. According to the company, the COVID-19 study population is 53% male and 47% female. 37% percent of participants are from diverse communities. Less than 5% of participants are between the ages of 18-24; the majority are older than 25.

Most importantly, 42% of participants are at risk of severe disease, which is critical since the risk of death increases with age and pre-existing conditions. In August, Moderna said the vaccine would be priced between $32 and $37 per dose under 'pandemic pricing.' That said, negotiations are underway to possibly lower that price even more.

Bancel told investors during a call last Thursday that vaccine data and safety monitoring board interim analysis will be conducted in November following the diagnosis of a minimum of 53 COVID-19 cases during the phase three trial.

The possible launching of a vaccine is welcome news since the coronavirus attacked the globe earlier in 2020, resulting in the loss of over a million lives.

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