The government has injected hundreds of millions of dollars into a fund to secure a Covid-19 vaccine, but it will not say exactly how much, as it does not want to compromise its ability to do a deal.
The money is on top of $37 million earmarked earlier this year for domestic research, boosting manufacturing capability and supporting international research collaborations.
The government says this latest round of funding will give it access to promising candidates, as well as joining collective initiatives working toward securing a vaccine.
The announcement was made at the Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, where scientists are racing to come up with their own vaccine.
Research director Professor Graham Le Gros said the money shows New Zealand can be taken seriously.
