J&J 'under stress' to hit EU vaccine supply goal

Johnson & Johnson may struggle to meet its target for delivering vaccines to the EU.

That's according to a European official who spoke to Reuters.

The U.S. pharmaceutical giant is supposed to supply 55 million doses in the second quarter.

But the firm has reportedly informed Brussels that it's facing issues which could complicate that plan.

The problems concern the supply of vaccine ingredients and equipment.

J&J is said to be 'under stress' to meet the target - though it hasn't said it's impossible.

The company's vaccine is set to be approved within days by the bloc's regulator.

EU deliveries could then start in April, with a goal of 200 million doses this year.

The vaccine has already been rolled out in the U.S., though March delivery forecasts there have been cut.

There was no official comment on the Reuters report from the EU or J&J.

Any delay would further complicate EU vaccination plans, which have been hit by bumpy supplies from other makers.

AstraZeneca cut its planned first-quarter deliveries by more than a half.

Deliveries from Pfizer and Moderna have also faced delays.

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