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German scientists claim to know why AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines cause blood clots

Published: 06:24 27 May 2021 EDT

AstraZeneca - German scientists claim to know why certain COVID-19 vaccines cause blood clots

German scientists at Goethe University have claimed to know why some COVID-19 vaccines can cause blood clots.

AstraZeneca PLC (LON:AZN) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) have both developed DNA-based formulations that have been linked to very rare cases of blood clots, some of which caused death.

READ: UK hits 60mln doses milestone as new study proves AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech jabs work against Indian variant

These jabs use a genetically modified version of the common cold virus (adenovirus) so it can no longer replicate in humans and cause disease.

They do so by sending instructions in the nucleus of cells which, according to the Frankfurt-based professors, can be misread by the body and potentially trigger adverse effects.

That’s because after entering the nucleus, some of these proteins split and create mutant versions that can’t bind to the cell membrane, and so enter the body.

Dr Rolf Marschalek told the FT that mRNA-based vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer and Moderna, don’t cause these issues because the material doesn’t enter the nucleus, but the cell fluid directly.

The study has not yet been reviewed by experts.

“We are supporting continued research and analysis of this rare event as we work with medical experts and global health authorities. We look forward to reviewing and sharing data as it becomes available,” J&J told Reuters.

Earlier this week, 39-year-old British model Stephanie Dubois died after suffering a “serious thrombotic episode” following the AstraZeneca injection.

She didn’t have underlying health conditions said the authorities in Cyprus, where she was administered the vaccine.

Shares in AstraZeneca shed 1% to 7,971p while J&J was flat at US$169.26 on Thursday.

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