AstraZeneca has announced the withdrawal of its widely used Covid-19 vaccine, Vaxzevria, citing a decrease in demand as a result of the availability of newer vaccines in the market. Developed in partnership with the University of Oxford, Vaxzevria has been a key player in the global vaccination effort, with over 3 billion doses administered worldwide since its launch in January 2021.
The decision to withdraw the vaccine comes as AstraZeneca reported no revenue generated from Vaxzevria since April 2023, with the vaccine no longer in use in the United Kingdom. The company stated that the surplus of updated Covid-19 vaccines has led to a reduced demand for Vaxzevria, prompting the withdrawal of marketing authorizations within Europe.
According to AstraZeneca, they will collaborate with regulators in other countries to align on the next steps, including withdrawing marketing authorizations in regions where future commercial demand is not anticipated. Despite the withdrawal, the company expressed pride in the role Vaxzevria played in the global pandemic response, acknowledging the recognition received from governments worldwide.
Dr. Michael Head, a senior research fellow in global health, highlighted that the withdrawal was likely influenced by the superior efficacy of newer mRNA vaccines, such as those from Pfizer and Moderna. These mRNA vaccines utilize genetic material to trigger the production of antibodies against Covid-19, offering higher effectiveness and adaptability to new variants compared to viral vector vaccines like Vaxzevria.
While acknowledging the contributions of AstraZeneca's vaccine, Dr. Head emphasized the advantages of mRNA platforms in shaping long-term Covid-19 strategies for many countries. The withdrawal of Vaxzevria marks a strategic shift in the global vaccination landscape towards more advanced vaccine technologies.
