J&J privately asked other vaccine makers to probe blood clot risks

Johnson & Johnson privately asked rival vaccine makers AstraZeneca, Moderna and Pfizer to join the company in its effort to evaluate blood clot risks in its coronavirus vaccine, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday.

People familiar with the matter told the newspaper that in addition to seeking help on studying the risks of blood clots, J&J also wanted the other companies to participate in a campaign that would address the issues of blood clots and vaccine safety.

AstraZeneca, which has also had reports of blood clots linked to its COVID-19 vaccine, was the only one to accept Johnson & Johnson’s offer.

Moderna and Pfizer said they were already looking into the blood clot issues and didn’t want to diminish public confidence in their own vaccines, according to the Journal.

A spokesperson for J&J told the newspaper that the company collaboration in the scientific community plays a valuable role in addressing questions about patient safety. The Hill has reached out to J&J for comment.

A Pfizer spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill that it “embraces opportunities for scientific exchange when we can make a meaningful contribution that is not being represented by other groups or regulators.”

“Further, we have and will continue to collaborate with other vaccine makers as appropriate as we all fight against this deadly pandemic,” the spokesperson added.

The other vaccine manufacturers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A pause on Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine was recently recommended by U.S. health officials in response to six women developing rare blood clots after receiving the vaccine. One woman died.

AstraZeneca has faced similar challenges in Europe, where many countries have said young adults are no longer allowed to receive the company’s vaccine.

Moderna, Pfizer and J&J are the only vaccine companies who have received emergency authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.

Top U.S. infectious diseases expert Anthony Fauci has said he is confident that Johnson & Johnson will be allowed to be administered again soon.

Updated at 11:26 a.m.