Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca are working with independent scientists to see if modifying their coronavirus vaccines will help reduce or eliminate the risk of blood clots, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources. The publication notes that after changing the vaccine, re-approval from the regulatory authorities may be required.
There is hope that the cause of the blood clots could be identified, and AstraZeneca could change its vaccine by next year, sources said. “AstraZeneca is actively working with regulators and the scientific community to understand these extremely rare blood clotting events, including information for early diagnosis and intervention, and appropriate treatment,” a company spokesman said.
Johnson & Johnson said it supports continued research by working with medical experts and global health authorities. The company also said it needs to be aware of “the signs and symptoms of this very rare occurrence” to ensure correct diagnosis and treatment.
Several countries have previously suspended the use of vaccines from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson after some vaccinees developed thromboembolic complications. In May, a group of German scientists said they were able to identify the cause of blood clots following the introduction of vaccines from AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson reached out to them for advice on adapting their vaccine.
Read more about the side effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine in the material of Kommersant FM.
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