The Anglo-Swidish drugmakers, AstraZeneca has on Wednesday announced that it has initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria.
The withdrawal, it said, is due to a surplus of newer and updated vaccines in supply in the the market.
It said that there was also a decline in demand for the jab, Vaxzevria, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied.
“As multiple, variant COVID-19 vaccines have since been developed there is a surplus of available updated vaccines.
“We will now work with regulators and our partners to align on a clear path forward to conclude this chapter and significant contribution to the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The company had also been facing legal battles over allegations that its vaccine led to fatalities and severe injuries, including blood clots and low blood platelet counts.
This Anglo-Swedish drugmaker had previously admitted in court documents that the vaccine causes side-effects such as blood clots and low blood platelet counts.
The firm’s application to withdraw the vaccine was made on March 5th and came into effect on May 7th.
This development marked a significant shift in the global COVID-19 vaccine landscape.
This is because AstraZeneca’s vaccine was once a leading contender in the fight against the pandemic.
