U.S Data Safety Monitoring Board has expressed concern that AstraZeneca may have included outdated information in trial results of its Covid-19 vaccine, according to CNBC. The concerns cast doubts over published efficacy rates of the vaccine.
The announcement by the health agency comes one day after the findings of a large U.S trial showed the vaccine was safe and highly effective.
The efficacy results come after several countries temporarily suspended the use of the AstraZeneca vaccine following safety concerns.
The doubts by DSMB over vaccine data raise concern whether AstraZeneca can seek U.S clearance for the vaccine next month as planned.
The DSMB asked AstraZeneca to review the data and ensure the most accurate, up-to-date efficacy data that can be made public as quickly as possible.
AstraZeneca said that the figures published on Monday “were based on a pre-specified interim analysis with a data cut-off of 17 February.”
The company has defended itself, saying the studies were conducted to the highest standards and more data would follow.
AstraZeneca stock is currently declining. AZN: LON is down 1.33%
