Thermo Fisher Scientific: no coronavirus vaccine production in Vilnius

The company issued a statement on Thursday in response to a recent discussion in Lithuania's parliament over the company's role in the vaccine production.

"Thermo Fisher is proud to be involved in more than 200 COVID-related projects globally in

support of our customers as they accelerate development and production of COVID-19 vaccines,

therapies and other treatments," the statement reads. "While we do not manufacture vaccines of any type at our Vilnius campus, we do support customers with product development by providing raw materials that may ultimately be used in a vaccine."

Earlier on Thursday, MP Ausrine Aremonaite asked the health minister during the Government Hour in the parliament whether he had inquired about alleged vaccine production for the US market in Lithuania.

"Are you aware that Thermo Fisher Scientific is producing a COVID vaccine for the American market in Lithuania and, as far as I understand, is even building an extension for the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines? Are you involved in any negotiation for us to be able to buy the vaccine which is being produced here in Lithuania so that we could get it faster?" Armonaite asked Health Minister Aurelijus Veryga.

He responded by saying that EU members states that have joined the common procurement mechanism cannot negotiate with producers individually.