AstraZeneca has updated its phase three trial data for its Covid-19 vaccine on Wednesday, March 24. After facing accuracy questions earlier this week about its preliminary reports from the U.S study, they come out with a new report about its vaccine. What have they updated in this new report?
AstraZeneca changes their efficacy rate
AstraZeneca has updated its efficacy rate from 79% to 76% in protecting against the virus's symptomatic cases, on Wednesday, March 24.
The updated results include data collected from 190 symptomatic cases across more than 32,000 participants. This was an increase of roughly 50 symptomatic cases studied compared to the results on Monday, March 22.
This suggests that the vaccine is more effective with patients aged 65 and older than previously known. The newly-reported efficacy rate for that age group is now 85% from the previously stated 80%
AstraZeneca reiterated that the vaccine was "well tolerated" among the participants who took the vaccine. There were no safety concerns that were identified in the people who took the drug.
AstraZeneca still 100% effective against severe cases
According to CNBC, the updated report of AstraZeneca maintains that the shot is 100% effective against severe disease and hospitalization.
Many U.S Health officials have criticized the company in recent days for what has been claimed as cherry-picking information to make the results more favorable for them.
According to TheWashingtonPost, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases showed on Tuesday, March 23, that the UK-Based company possibly included information from its U.S results provided an incomplete showing of the efficacy data.
The company has said that at the time, the figures they showed were based on a "pre-specified interim analysis." AstraZeneca says they have vowed to share updated analysis in the coming days.
What others have said
Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House chief medical advisor and director of the NIAID, called the situation at hand "unfortunate." He also said that it would be more than likely AstraZeneca would issue a modified statement soon.
According to CNBC, Fauci said that what had happened was what you would call an unforced error because the facts are that this vaccine is likely to be very good.
He has also said that the only thing that this does is only cast doubt on the vaccine and contribute to the hesitancy of everything that wasnt necessary.
AstraZeneca also faced a separate backlash in recent weeks over blood clotting reports in conjunction with its vaccine. This vaccine was already approved and used in dozens of countries around the world. Several European nations suspended the vaccine before resuming after their independent safety reviews.
Related Article : US Health Officials Question AstraZeneca's COVID-19 Vaccination Data, Says it is Outdated
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Written by Lionell Moore
