AstraZeneca to withdraw Covid vaccine globally as demand declines; faces legal challenges over side effects

AstraZeneca has begun the global withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, citing a surplus of available updated vaccines since the pandemic began. The company has also decided to withdraw the vaccine's marketing authorizations within Europe.

"As multiple, variant COVID-19 vaccines have since been developed, there is a surplus of available updated vaccines," AstraZeneca stated. This surplus has led to a decline in demand for Vaxzevria, which is no longer being manufactured or supplied.

The Anglo-Swedish drugmaker has previously admitted in court documents that the vaccine can cause side effects such as blood clots and low blood platelet counts. The company's application to withdraw the vaccine was submitted on March 5 and became effective on May 7, according to media reports.


Last year, AstraZeneca diversified its focus into respiratory syncytial virus vaccines and obesity drugs through several deals after experiencing a slowdown in growth due to declining COVID-19 medicine sales.

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The UK-based pharmaceutical company also collaborated with the Serum Institute of India (SII), the largest vaccine producer globally, to provide the vaccine (Covishield) to the Indian government.

Families of individuals who suffered adverse effects from the vaccine are pursuing legal action against AstraZeneca and the Serum Institute of India. Venugopalan Govindan, the father of Karunya, who passed away allegedly after receiving the Covishield vaccine, expressed his deep sorrow and blamed various parties for his daughter's death.

"The manufacturer Serum Institute of India, the Government, regulatory bodies - all bear responsibility for my daughter's and many others' deaths," Govindan said in an ET report.


He highlighted alleged negligence in responding to early warning signs and cited missed opportunities to prevent tragedies like his daughter's passing. Govindan emphasized their determination to seek justice and warned of further legal action if their current pursuits do not yield adequate redress.

Govindan revealed that families of eight victims have united in their pursuit of justice, underscoring their shared resolve to hold accountable those they believe are responsible for the devastating loss of their loved ones. The families are determined to seek justice and prevent a recurrence of similar tragedies. They are prepared to pursue legal action against any, and all perpetrators of this atrocity, emphasizing their commitment to achieving justice for their loved ones.

(With inputs from Reuters)