AstraZeneca has confirmed the effectiveness of its Covid-19 vaccine at 76%, based on the results of recent studies, including those conducted in the United States. The official statement of the company reads.
"Positive high-level results from the primary analysis of the Phase III trial of AZD1222 in the US have confirmed vaccine efficacy consistent with the pre-specified interim analysis announced on Monday 22 March 2021," the message says.
It is noted that the primary endpoint, vaccine efficacy at preventing symptomatic COVID-19 was 76% (confidence interval (CI): 68% to 82%) occurring 15 days or more after receiving two doses given four weeks apart. In addition, results were comparable across age groups, with vaccine efficacy of 85% (CI: 58% to 95%) in adults 65 years and older. A key secondary endpoint, preventing severe or critical disease and hospitalisation, demonstrated 100% efficacy. There were eight cases of severe COVID-19 observed in the primary analysis with all of those cases in the placebo group.
Earlier, the company stated that AstraZeneca vaccine prevents severe course of Covid-19. Clinical trials in Peru and Chile showed that the drug also offers considerable protection against the symptoms of this sickness.
However, AstraZeneca Vaccine Evidence Review Panel reportedly raised concerns with the US Department of Health's National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, pointing out that AstraZeneca "may have provided an incomplete review of the efficacy data" and the published clinical trial data included "outdated information."
Earlier it was reported that due to blood clots in some vaccinated people, several EU countries have suspended the use of AstraZeneca vaccine. Among them are Denmark, Austria, Estonia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Latvia and Cyprus. Norway, which is not a member of the EU, has also suspended the use of AstraZeneca. In addition, in Norway, three doctors were hospitalized with blood clots. AstraZeneca vaccination was also suspended in Bulgaria, Thailand, Romania, Germany, France and Italy. A woman died in Croatia after being vaccinated with AstraZeneca.
