Vaccine maker Pfizer says it will continue to supply medicine to Russia despite its opposition to the country’s invasion of Ukraine.

The company explained that implementing a voluntary pause in the flow of medicines to Russia would be in direct violation of its foundational principle of putting patients first.

The company added that it would not stop the delivery of critical medicines, like cancer or cardiovascular therapies as it would result in significant patient suffering and potential loss of life, particularly among children and elderly people.

Pfizer also mentioned that its business in Russia would be changed to show solidarity with Ukraine.

The company said, “Pfizer stands with the unified global community across the public, private and civil society sectors in opposition to the Russian war in Ukraine and the brutal situation it has created.”

To support Ukraine, Pfizer said it would donate all its profits from its Russian subsidiary to causes that will support Ukrainians, with immediate effect.

The company does not have any manufacturing sites in Russia but has decided to stop all planned investments with local suppliers, which were done with the aim of building manufacturing capacity in the country.

Pfizer also revealed that it would stop new clinical trials in Russia and stop all recruitment efforts for ongoing clinical trials in the country.

The company said it planned to work with regulators, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to move all ongoing clinical trials to alternative sites outside Russia.

The company, would, however, continue to provide the required medicines for people enrolled in the trials.

(dpa/NAN)