Big Pharma, one of the most lucrative industries in the world, does not usually give priority to vaccine development, as it is financially risky and other drugs are more profitable.

The public spends billions to help with the research and development of commercial drugs, but usually only a fraction of this amount goes to fund vaccine development.

The Coronavirus has turned the tables: The stepchild of the drug industry now gets full attention – and huge public funding.

The reporters of Investigate Europe followed the public money spent on the hunt for a Covid-19 vaccine and found that most of these grants and loans are given without the necessary conditions to ensure global supply and a fair access. If too little is done to prevent “vaccine nationalism,” in the end the public will pay the price. 

Read our reports below and scroll down to read articles published in media partner outlets across Europe.