Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca and outside scientists are looking into whether modifications to their respective COVID-19 vaccines could reduce or eliminate the risk of rare but serious blood clots that have been linked to both shots, The Wall Street Journal reported July 13.
Experts told the Journal they hope to figure out the cause of the blood clots and possibly reengineer AstraZeneca's vaccine by next year, but it's too early to know if it can be modified.
Modifications to the vaccines may require changes to ownership rights and regulatory approvals, the Journal reported.
Blood clots combined with low blood platelets, a rare condition called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia, or VITT, have been linked to both Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccines. Roughly 1 to 2 people per 100,000 vaccinated with AstraZeneca's vaccine have developed the condition, and roughly 0.3 people out of 100,000 who have been vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson's shot have.
Minimizing or eliminating the risk of the blood clots could boost public confidence in the vaccines and lead to more widespread use, the Journal reported.
But scientists need to first figure out what is causing the blood clots. It could be one or more ingredients in the shot, the purification process or something mechanical in how the vaccines work, scientists told the Journal.
A Johnson & Johnson spokesperson told the Journal the drugmaker supports "continued research and analysis as we work with medical experts and global health authorities."
An AstraZeneca spokesperson told the Journal it is "actively working with the regulators and scientific community to understand these extremely rare blood-clotting events, including information to drive early diagnosis and intervention and appropriate treatment."
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