Pfizer Accused To Intentionally Delay Delivery Of Vaccines, Italy Reports To The European Commission

Pfizer Vaccine (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

JAKARTA - The Italian government, on Tuesday, January 26, asked the European Commission to take action against Pfizer. Italy said Pfizer had intentionally delayed the delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The request to Brussels comes a day after Rome sent an official warning letter to the US drug company. The request urges Pfizer to honor contract commitments following a temporary slowdown in deliveries of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pfizer said it would offset the reduction in shipments by changing manufacturing that would increase production. Those conditions have heightened tensions between Europe and Pfizer, which take place when rival vaccine developer AstraZeneca also warned of cutting back on early shipments.

"The special commissioner calls for discussions with EU executives to take all appropriate action against Pfizer's arbitrary behavior," according to the commissioner's office statement.

The statement did not specify what action the Italian government wanted from Brussels, but on Saturday it said the Pfizer delay was a serious breach of contractual obligations.

According to him, Italy will take advantage of all existing legal tools. Pfizer could not be reached for comment.