AstraZeneca COVID vaccine linked to another rare blood clotting disorder
What's the story
A new research has linked AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to an increased risk of a rare but fatal blood clotting disorder known as Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT).
The findings came almost a month after the giant phara admitted that its COVID-19 vaccines "Covishield" and "Vaxzevria" may cause Thrombosis Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in rare cases.
TTS is a rare condition characterized by a decrease in platelet count and the formation of blood clots in unusual places of the body.
Context
Why does this story matter?
AstraZeneca is facing a class-action lawsuit in the United Kingdom over claims that its COVID vaccine led to several fatalities and serious injuries.
Over 50 cases have been filed by victims and their families against AstraZeneca, seeking damages totaling more than 100 million euros.
Amid the scandal, the company announced last month that it has begun the withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a "surplus of available updated vaccines" that target new variants of the virus.
PF4 antibody
Discovery of blood autoantibody linked to VITT
Researchers have identified an "unusually dangerous blood autoantibody directed against a protein termed platelet factor 4 (or PF4)" as the cause of VITT.
In 2023, scientists from Canada, North America, Germany, and Italy discovered a virtually identical disorder linked to natural adenovirus infections such as the common cold.
A new research by Flinders University in Australia and other experts has now revealed that PF4 antibodies involved in both VITT and classic adenoviral vector VITT share identical molecular fingerprints or signatures.
Study findings
Identical molecular signatures found in VITT disorders
Professor Tom Gordon from Flinders University stated, "Indeed, the pathways of lethal antibody production in these disorders must be virtually identical and have similar genetic risk factors."
"Lessons learned from VITT are applicable to rare cases of blood clotting after adenovirus (a common cold) infections, as well as having implications for vaccine development," he stated.
This research team had previously identified a genetic risk factor related to the PF4 antibody in 2022, which is expected to improve vaccine safety.