Export Controls on Biological Agents and Their Impact on Vaccine Research and Development: A Focus on SARS-COV-2

This research focusses on export controls and the fight against epidemics and pandemics. Starting from a brief description of the complex network of treaty-law and soft-law instruments governing transfers of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons and dual-use items, this article describes how the uncertainty and regulatory burden surrounding the transfers of samples of SARS-CoV-2 is affecting the development of new vaccines, drug treatments and diagnostic tools. A coordinated global approach on this subject matter is therefore urgently needed. The approach to be taken however should not be limited to address the current state of emergency through one-time exceptions. We should not waste the COVID-19 crisis and use instead this opportunity to improve the international community preparedness to act in case of a new pandemic.