FX.co ★ AstraZeneca To Withdraw Its Covid-19 Vaccine Vaxzevria Worldwide

AstraZeneca, known for its significant contribution in supplying Covid-19 vaccines globally during the initial stages of the pandemic, has begun the process of a worldwide withdrawal of its Vaxzevria COVID-19 vaccine. The reason stated is the dwindling demand and the overflow of updated vaccines.

Recently, court documents have revealed AstraZeneca acknowledging potential side-effects from the vaccine, such as blood clots and low blood platelet counts. The decision to withdraw also follows a notification from the European Medicines Agency, which de-authorised the vaccine. Vaxzevria, which is meant for individuals aged 18 and older for the prevention of coronavirus disease, was given conditional marketing approval in Europe on January 29, 2021.

The Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical firm explains that the emergence of numerous variant COVID-19 vaccines since the pandemic has resulted in a surplus availability of updated vaccines. This has led to a drop in demand for Vaxzevria, which is now no longer being produced or supplied.

Initially developed in partnership with the University of Oxford following the 2020 coronavirus outbreak, the vaccine was manufactured and provided under the name Covishield in India and other low to middle-income countries by the Serum Institute of India, licensed by both the company and the university.

AstraZeneca faces legal actions over allegations that the COVID-19 vaccine -developed in conjunction with the University of Oxford—resulted in death and serious injury, including Thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome or TTS.

AstraZeneca has noted that it is currently coordinating with regulatory authorities and partners to establish a smooth path forward.

In related updates, the World Health Organization launched a new network for coronaviruses, coined CoViNet, in March. Its purpose is to enable and streamline global expertise and capabilities for early and reliable detection, and monitoring and evaluation of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and any new coronavirus strains.

Additionally, in mid-April, it was reported that scientists from the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, and Caltech in the U.S. are developing a unique approach - termed "proactive vaccinology" - to combat yet unrealized viruses. This initiative aims to equip humanity with a defense against the potential future coronavirus pandemics.