Pfizer withdraws emergency use application for COVID-19 vaccine in India

US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has withdrawn its application for emergency use authorization of its BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in India. This decision comes after a series of interactions with the Indian drug regulator, which had requested additional information regarding the vaccine.

Regulatory Hurdles and Safety Concerns

Initially submitted for approval in December 2020, the application faced scrutiny over reported side effects from other countries, which became a significant factor in the regulatory review process. Indian media outlets have highlighted the regulator’s concerns regarding the vaccine’s side effects, noting a reluctance to grant approval without specific data demonstrating safety and efficacy within the Indian population.

Pfizer’s Continued Engagement and Future Plans

Despite withdrawing the current application, Pfizer remains committed to pursuing approval in India and plans to engage further with the Indian drug regulator. The company has indicated that it will resubmit its application once additional data supporting the vaccine’s safety and efficacy becomes available. “Pfizer will continue to engage with the Indian drug regulator and resubmit an application for the vaccine’s approval once additional data is available in the future,” the company stated.

Global Approval Status

The BNT162b2 vaccine, developed in collaboration with German biotech firm BioNTech, has received approval in several countries, including the US, the UK, Bahrain, Canada, and Switzerland. This global acceptance highlights the vaccine’s recognized potential and efficacy in combating COVID-19, though it underscores the varying requirements and responses from national health regulators.

Industry Impact

The withdrawal represents a significant moment in the global effort to manage approvals and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, reflecting the complex interplay between pharmaceutical companies and national regulatory bodies. It emphasizes the necessity for localized testing and data to meet specific regulatory standards.