AstraZeneca has declared the withdrawal of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine globally, weeks after acknowledging its potential rare side effects. The decision, highlighted by The Telegraph, stems from commercial motives, indicating that the vaccine is no longer in production or distribution due to newer versions designed to combat emerging variants.
The withdrawal entails the cessation of the vaccine’s usage within the European Union as AstraZeneca voluntarily revoked its marketing authorization, effective from Tuesday. The application for withdrawal, filed on March 5, has now taken effect, signaling the end of an era for the vaccine developed in collaboration with the University of Oxford.
Legal battles loom for the pharmaceutical giant as it faces a class-action lawsuit alleging severe adverse effects, including Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a condition associated with blood clotting and low platelet levels. Despite mounting legal pressure, AstraZeneca maintains that the timing of the withdrawal isn’t connected to ongoing court proceedings or the acknowledgment of TTS risks, dismissing any correlation as coincidental.
The vaccine’s journey, marked by highs and lows, saw its development in partnership with the University of Oxford as AZD1222, later known as Covishield in India and other economically disadvantaged nations, manufactured and supplied by the Serum Institute of India under license.
Acknowledging the vaccine’s rare side effects, AstraZeneca conceded to the High Court in February that TTS could occur in very limited instances. This admission fueled legal claims branding the vaccine as “defective” and challenging its efficacy, a stance vehemently opposed by AstraZeneca, which refuted allegations of overstated effectiveness.
The legal battle intensifies with 51 cases filed in the High Court, seeking substantial damages, estimated at £100 million, as reported by The Telegraph. Sarah Moore, a partner at Leigh Day law firm representing claimants, criticized AstraZeneca and the government for allegedly prioritizing legal maneuvers over addressing the profound impact of the vaccine on affected individuals.
In response, AstraZeneca reiterated its commitment to patient safety, expressing condolences to those affected while emphasizing adherence to rigorous regulatory standards ensuring the safe usage of medicines, including vaccines.
In essence, AstraZeneca’s decision to withdraw the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine globally reflects a strategic shift driven by commercial considerations and the emergence of updated vaccine formulations. Amid legal challenges and controversies surrounding rare side effects, the pharmaceutical giant maintains its stance on prioritizing patient safety and compliance with regulatory protocols.
