AstraZeneca withdraws Covid vaccine as demand dives

astrazeneca withdraws covid vaccine as demand dives

AstraZeneca rapidly developed the successful Covid-19 jab during the coronavirus pandemic which erupted in the first half of 2020. Photo: Saeed KHAN / AFP/File Source: AFP

Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca on Wednesday said it was withdrawing Covid vaccine Vaxzevria, one of the first produced in the deadly pandemic, citing “commercial reasons” following a slump in demand.

“As multiple, variant Covid-19 vaccines have since been developed there is a surplus of available updated vaccines. This has led to a decline in demand for Vaxzevria, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied,” an AstraZeneca spokesperson added in a statement.

“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.”

AstraZeneca rapidly developed the successful Covid-19 jab during the coronavirus pandemic which erupted in the first half of 2020.

Vaxzevria, developed alongside Oxford University, was at first offered at cost but Astra decided in late 2021 to sell it for profit.

But the world pivoted towards mRNA vaccines, particularly the one produced by US drugs giant Pfizer and German peer BioNTech, after rare blood-clot problems with Astra’s jab increased public hesitancy about taking it.

Sales collapsed further as global Covid restrictions were fully lifted worldwide and the world emerged from the global health crisis.

The AstraZeneca spokesperson said the group had begun the process from taking it off the market in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMA) region.

The company will work with other regulators globally to start market authorisation withdrawals for the Vaxzevria “where no future commercial demand for the vaccine is expected”.

The spokesperson said that, according to independent estimates, “over 6.5 million lives were saved in the first year of use alone” and more than three billion doses were supplied globally.

“We are incredibly proud of the role Vaxzevria played in ending the global pandemic,” the spokesperson said.

“Our efforts have been recognised by governments around the world and are widely regarded as being a critical component of ending the global pandemic. “

OTHER NEWS

13 minutes ago

The Hidden Downside of Always Flying Basic Economy

13 minutes ago

Jake Gyllenhaal Sings Rendition of Boyz II Men's ‘End of the Road' in ‘SNL' Season Finale: Watch

13 minutes ago

Preakness winner Seize the Grey is likely running in the 1st Belmont at Saratoga

13 minutes ago

Aleksander Barkov, the Panthers' reluctant star, leads without having to say much

13 minutes ago

Jurgen Klopp sends message to Man City after parting shot at champions' 115 charges

13 minutes ago

Bruce Nordstrom, who helped grow family-led department store chain, dies at 90

14 minutes ago

Kansas City Chiefs On Cusp Of NFL History Nearly 100 Years In The Making

14 minutes ago

Earth-size planet found orbiting nearby star that will outlive the sun by 100 billion years

14 minutes ago

Fresh fears 'Satanists' have returned to torment picture postcard New Forest village after severed deer head is left dangling from a high street lamppost -in the latest 'sacrificial killing' linked to suspected Devil worshippers

14 minutes ago

Father of boy, 13, who drowned in the River Tyne tells of his anguish after the death of another lad, 14, on the same stretch of water and says tragedy has 'brought back memories' of his ordeal

14 minutes ago

Auburn running back Brian Battie 'left in critical condition' after shooting in Florida that killed his brother Tommie

14 minutes ago

Guardians receive positive injury update on Steven Kwan

20 minutes ago

Father of boy, 13, who drowned in the River Tyne tells of his anguish after the death of another lad, 14, on the same stretch of water and says tragedy has 'brought back memories' of his ordeal

21 minutes ago

Antiques Roadshow guest freezes in shock after hearing five-figure price of painting left by her great-grandfather

21 minutes ago

Blood scandal was preventable and compensation is too late, say victims’ families

21 minutes ago

Angela Rayner probe won’t be drawn into ‘political spats’, says police chief

21 minutes ago

PGA Championship 2024 live updates: Xander Schauffele leads cluttered leaderboard

21 minutes ago

Dali ship that crashed into Baltimore’s Key bridge to be removed from collapse site ‘within days’

21 minutes ago

Alek Manoah shines over seven innings as Blue Jays fend off Rays 5-2 to avoid sweep

22 minutes ago

Alejandro Tosti Makes Outrageous Eagle After Driving 13th Green At PGA Championship

22 minutes ago

Guardiola savours 'insane' domination as Arteta says there is only one way to stop them

22 minutes ago

John Krasinski’s IF hits box office nerve with £27.5m North American debut

22 minutes ago

Ange Postecoglou has more 'lofty ambitions' for Tottenham after fifth-placed finish confirmed

22 minutes ago

'Diesel' Arensman impresses in grueling mountain stage: "But I'm not at all focused on the white jersey"

22 minutes ago

‘Fresh Prince’ star Alfonso Ribeiro says show ‘became a sacrifice’ that ended his acting career

22 minutes ago

Mikel Arteta names two key moments which cost Arsenal the title

22 minutes ago

Mauricio Pochettino secures European football at Chelsea but faces decision day over future

22 minutes ago

Strictly Come Dancing star denies claims of 'abusive or threatening behaviour'

22 minutes ago

Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Gabriel Martinelli lively in absence of Bukayo Saka; Thomas Partey clumsy

22 minutes ago

10 Of The Fastest Military Tanks Ever Built, Ranked

22 minutes ago

Man City wins record fourth straight Premier League title after 3-1 win against West Ham

22 minutes ago

Anthony Albanese extends his lead as preferred Prime Minister, according to new post-budget poll

23 minutes ago

Simone Biles wins Core Hydration Classic with top score ahead of 2024 Paris Olympics

23 minutes ago

Ed Dwight, America's first Black astronaut candidate, finally goes to space 60 years later

23 minutes ago

Premier League sets new total goals mark of 1,246 on last day

23 minutes ago

Sean 'Diddy' Combs apologises after video depicting attack on ex-girlfriend

23 minutes ago

Soccer-Klopp's achievements at Liverpool

24 minutes ago

Helicopter crash could reverberate across the Middle East, where Iran's influence runs wide and deep

28 minutes ago

Michelle Yeoh, 61, looks ageless as she attends the 77th annual Cannes Film Festival premiere of Horizon: An American Saga in a maroon leather bodice and feathered skirt

29 minutes ago

NASCAR star Kyle Larson to shoot for the Indianapolis 500 pole after blistering qualifying run

Kênh khám phá trải nghiệm của giới trẻ, thế giới du lịch