Anti-Vaxxer Djokovic Holds 80% Stake In Danish Biotech Firm Developing COVID-19 Treatment

The World No. 1 tennis star Novak Djokovic is reported to own a majority stake in a biotechnology company, a total of 80%, with the aim to develop a way to treat people against coronavirus without any vaccination involvement.

Reuters reported on Wednesday the Serbian player has partnered with Danish biotech firm QuantBioRes, that is developing a treatment against COVID-19. Djokovic has been vocal regarding his opposition to the vaccine. But, he now appears to be actively involved in finding a cure where he can protect himself and others who are opposed to getting jabbed.

The Copenhagen-based biotech firm's chief executive Ivan Loncarevic said that the 80% investment was made by Djokovic back in June 2020, but he declined to disclose the exact fee. The company is reportedly developing a peptide that inhibits the coronavirus from infecting the human cell. It is expected to launch clinical trials in Britain this summer.

QuantBioRes also stressed the fact that they are developing a treatment, not a vaccine. There are reportedly about a dozen researchers working in Denmark, Australia and Slovenia. According to the Danish company register, Djokovic and his wife Jelena Djokovic own 40.8% and 39.2% of the company's stakes, respectively.

The spokesperson for Djokovic did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It is not known whether the tennis player is waiting for the treatment to come through and hence he did not get vaccinated. The tennis star risked his chance to play in the Australian Open this month. He arrived back in Serbia on Monday after being deported from Australia for failing to meet the country's COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

However, his focus on netting a 21st grand slam title still hangs in balance at the French Open in May, as the country's sports ministry announced on Monday that there would be no exemption from a new vaccine pass law. Djokovic will also likely face significant challenges if he aims to participate in the US Open, which starts on Aug. 29. Visitors in the United States must be fully vaccinated if they are not United States citizens or traveling on an immigrant visa.

The Serb was among Forbes list of the world's top-50 highest-paid athletes for 2021, with calculated on-court earnings estimated at $4.5 million, overtopped by the reported $30 million earnings off.