In a significant development, AstraZeneca, a leading pharmaceutical giant, has announced the global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, following months of scrutiny over its rare yet dangerous side effects. The decision, reported by The Telegraph, comes amidst mounting concerns regarding blood clotting and low blood platelet counts associated with the vaccine.
The company had previously acknowledged the vaccine’s potential to cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) on rare occasions. This acknowledgment led to legal action by 50 individuals and relatives of deceased persons, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Notably, at least 81 deaths in the UK have been linked to the Vaxzevria vaccine.
AstraZeneca attributed the withdrawal to a “fall in demand,” emphasizing the availability of multiple updated COVID-19 vaccines. With a surplus of newer vaccine options, the demand for Vaxzevria has plummeted, leading to its cessation in manufacturing and supply. Additionally, the company will be withdrawing marketing authorizations for the vaccine across Europe.
The application for withdrawal was submitted on March 5 and took effect on May 7, as per The Telegraph. This move marks a significant shift for AstraZeneca, which had diversified its focus to respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and obesity drugs amid declining growth in COVID-19 medicine sales.
Despite the controversy surrounding Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca highlighted its impact, stating that over 6.5 million lives were saved in the first year of use, with more than 3 billion doses supplied globally. The vaccine had also received approval from the Pakistani government as part of its efforts to combat the pandemic.
Vaxzevria, like other COVID-19 vaccines, employs a modified virus to produce a protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiming to induce immunity against the coronavirus.
AstraZeneca’s decision to withdraw Vaxzevria underscores the ongoing challenges in vaccine development and distribution amidst the global fight against COVID-19.
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