Advertisement
AstraZeneca’s decision, announced on Tuesday, underscores a shift in demand towards more advanced vaccine options. With multiple variant-specific vaccines now available, the company cited a surplus of updated alternatives as a contributing factor to the waning demand for Vaxzevria. Consequently, AstraZeneca intends to revoke the marketing authorizations for the vaccine across Europe.
In a notable admission, AstraZeneca has acknowledged the potential for rare side effects associated with its COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the occurrence of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) in very rare cases. This condition, characterized by the formation of blood clots alongside reduced platelet levels, has prompted heightened scrutiny. AstraZeneca clarified that the causal mechanism behind TTS remains unclear and emphasized that such events can occur independently of vaccination.
The acknowledgment of rare side effects marks a notable departure from AstraZeneca’s earlier position, contradicting its previous denial of a widespread link between the vaccine and TTS in 2023. The company’s shifting stance reflects the evolving understanding of vaccine safety and underscores the complexity of assessing causation in individual cases.
AstraZeneca submitted its application to withdraw the vaccine on March 5, and the withdrawal officially took effect on May 7. This move marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to manage COVID-19 vaccine distribution and address emerging safety concerns.
Amid the decline in COVID-19 medicine sales, AstraZeneca has diversified its portfolio, venturing into respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and obesity drugs through strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Notably, the company collaborated with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to supply the vaccine to the Indian Government .
