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AstraZeneca Halts Vaxzevria Amid Falling Demand, Not Safety

AstraZeneca ends Vaxzevria's run due to falling demand, not safety concerns, amidst evolving vaccine preferences and legal challenges.

By Athena Xu

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5/8, 05:34 EDT
AstraZeneca PLC
BioNTech SE
Moderna, Inc.
Pfizer, Inc.
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Key Takeaway

  • AstraZeneca withdraws its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, globally due to declining demand, not safety concerns.
  • Public skepticism and preference for mRNA vaccines like Pfizer's have overshadowed Vaxzevria's contributions.
  • Legal challenges from adverse effects and a market shift towards updated vaccines have further impacted its demand.

Vaccine Withdrawal

AstraZeneca Plc announced the global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, citing a decline in demand. The company, in collaboration with Oxford University, initially launched the vaccine on a not-for-profit basis, aiming to contribute significantly to the global fight against the pandemic. Despite the initial high hopes and the supply of over 3 billion doses worldwide, the demand for Vaxzevria has seen a significant decrease. The withdrawal of marketing authorization in the European Union, effective this week, was requested by AstraZeneca and is not related to safety concerns, according to the company's statement.

Efficacy and Safety Concerns

The rollout of Vaxzevria faced challenges, including public skepticism fueled by statements from prominent figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron, who questioned the vaccine's effectiveness in older adults. Further complicating its global acceptance were investigations into rare cases of unusual blood clots associated with the vaccine. Although regulatory bodies concluded that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks, the public perception and confidence in the vaccine were affected. This situation contributed to a shift in preference towards mRNA vaccines, particularly those developed by BioNTech SE and Pfizer Inc., for booster shots.

Legal Challenges and Market Shift

AstraZeneca faces legal challenges from the families of patients who experienced adverse effects, including blood clots, after receiving the vaccine. These legal actions seek compensation and accountability for the losses suffered. The company acknowledged the potential for side effects such as blood clots and low blood platelet counts in court documents. The global pharmaceutical landscape has evolved since the introduction of Vaxzevria, with companies like Pfizer and Moderna Inc. developing updated vaccines targeting newer variants. This development has led to a surplus of available vaccines, further diminishing the demand for AstraZeneca's offering.