AstraZeneca withdraws COVID-19 vaccine worldwide, cites commercial reasons: Report

• Image Credit: Google

• May 8, 2024 | Pinaki Goswami

AstraZeneca cited commercial reasons for the withdrawal, citing a surplus of updated vaccines designed to combat new variants of the virus...

Digital Desk: In a significant development, AstraZeneca has commenced a global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, following revelations about rare side effects. The decision comes hot on the heels of acknowledgment by the British pharmaceutical company regarding potential adverse reactions associated with the jab.

Developed in collaboration with Oxford University and produced by the Serum Institute of India, Covishield has been at the forefront of global vaccination efforts. However, AstraZeneca cited commercial reasons for the withdrawal, citing a surplus of updated vaccines designed to combat new variants of the virus.

The withdrawal isn't limited to specific regions; the company has voluntarily rescinded its marketing authorization in the European Union, halting production and distribution. Similar actions are expected in countries where the vaccine has been deployed.

Legal challenges loom over AstraZeneca, with a £100 million lawsuit in the UK alleging fatalities and injuries linked to the vaccine. The company's acknowledgment of the vaccine's rare potential to cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) adds complexity to the situation.

Despite the legal scrutiny, AstraZeneca defends its vaccine's track record, pointing to over 6.5 million lives saved in the first year of use and the global distribution of over three billion doses. The company stresses the role Covishield played in mitigating the pandemic while expressing commitment to collaborating with regulators and partners to navigate the next steps.

Experts anticipate a broader shift away from "monovalent" vaccines targeting the original COVID-19 strain towards updated versions capable of addressing a spectrum of variants.

As the global vaccination landscape evolves, AstraZeneca's decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against COVID-19. The withdrawal underscores the importance of vigilance in vaccine safety and the need for continual adaptation in the face of viral mutations.