UK-based AstraZeneca has acknowledged in court for the first time that its Covid vaccine can cause a rare blood clotting condition, British media reported on Monday, marking a significant development in a class action lawsuit brought by families who allege harm caused by the pharmaceutical giant’s vaccine.
The admission comes amid legal proceedings triggered by claims that the vaccine led to serious health complications, including death, The Daily Mail reported. Lawyers representing dozens of claimants assert that some cases could result in compensation payouts totaling up to 20 million pounds.
In a legal document submitted to a UK court in February, the Cambridge-based company conceded that its vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS,” referring to thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome. This condition involves the formation of blood clots accompanied by a low platelet count, which is critical for blood clotting.
Previously known as vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT), this exceedingly rare complication has been listed as a potential side effect of the jab. According to the British daily, AstraZeneca’s admission paves the way for case-by-case settlements concerning individuals affected by the adverse reaction. It said the company’s acknowledgment is notable as it is the first time it has admitted in court that its vaccine can lead to this condition.
This contrasts with its previous assertions, representing a significant shift in its legal stance. The legal proceedings place the burden of potential compensation payouts on UK taxpayers, as AstraZeneca had secured an indemnity deal with the government during the peak of the Covid pandemic. This arrangement aimed to expedite vaccine production while protecting the pharmaceutical company from legal liability.
The latest development follows AstraZeneca’s recent financial success, with revenues exceeding 10 billion pounds in the first quarter of 2024. AstraZeneca has come out to express sympathy for those affected by adverse reactions to its vaccine while reaffirming its commitment to patient safety. The company underlined regulatory authorities’ stringent safety standards and reiterated the vaccine’s overall safety profile.
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