Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca has announced its decision to withdraw its Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, from distribution worldwide, citing safety issues. The move comes amidst growing apprehensions surrounding the safety of the vaccine, particularly concerning rare adverse effects.
The decision to withdraw Vaxzevria was confirmed by AstraZeneca on Tuesday, following a reported surplus of updated vaccines and a decline in demand for the Vaxzevria vaccine amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, as reported by The Telegraph. This decision marks a significant shift in the global vaccination landscape, with AstraZeneca taking proactive steps to address safety concerns.
Also Read: Supreme Court of India to Review Petition Regarding Rare Covishield Vaccine Side-Effect
According to reports, AstraZeneca submitted an application to withdraw the Vaxzevria vaccine on March 5, and the withdrawal came into effect on May 7. Additionally, the company has also withdrawn marketing authorization for the vaccine in Europe, as per Reuters.
The withdrawal of Vaxzevria follows AstraZeneca’s acknowledgment of safety issues associated with its Covid vaccines, particularly in rare cases where Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) can occur. This rare syndrome is characterized by blood clots and low platelet counts. However, AstraZeneca emphasized that the syndrome can be detected even in the absence of vaccination and that expert testimony is necessary to determine causation in each case.
Despite these safety concerns, AstraZeneca reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, highlighting extensive clinical trial data and real-world evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of its vaccine. In a statement last week, a spokesperson for AstraZeneca expressed sympathy for those affected by health problems but reiterated the company’s dedication to upholding regulatory standards for the safe use of vaccines.
Meanwhile, AstraZeneca faces legal challenges as several lawsuits have been filed alleging adverse effects from its Covid-19 vaccines, including Covishield, which was developed by AstraZeneca and produced by the Serum Institute of India. The lawsuits come in the wake of claims linking the vaccine to severe health complications, including cases of blood clots and brain impairment.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a petition addressing the rare side effects associated with Covishield, with Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud acknowledging the petition’s demand for an expert panel to investigate these concerns. As the legal battle unfolds, the withdrawal of AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria vaccine underscores the critical importance of prioritizing safety in the global vaccination campaign against Covid-19.
