The government approved the national lot release for 170 million doses of Covid-19 vaccines in 2021, making Korea a factory of Covid-19 vaccines for the globe.

On Friday, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said it published and distributed the 2021 National Lot Release Report.

The national lot release system ensures the government’s quality control of biologics before each lot of product is marketed.

What is notable in the latest report is that the national lot release approval included not only existing drugs but Covid-19 vaccines last year.

According to the report, the MFDS authorized 256 lots of Covid-19 vaccines, or 171 million doses, after it approved the lot release of AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine on Feb. 17, 2021, for the first time.

By Covid-19 vaccine type, the regulator approved 171 lots (81.2 million doses) of virus vector vaccines and 85 lots (90.2 million doses) of mRNA vaccines.

The ministry’s report also included the national lot release status last year, accelerated national lot release for Covid-19 vaccines, efforts to secure the quality of biologics (private-public cooperation, international cooperation, research projects), results of the customized consultation for all-cycle quality management of Covid-19 vaccines, and establishment or revision of related regulations.

“We will transparently disclose national lot releases information so people can use biological products confidently. In addition, we will ensure that companies supply products with proven safety, effectiveness, and quality,” the MFDS said.