A batch of J&J COVID-19 vaccine failed a quality test, and can’t be used, according to the company.
The drug giant did not elaborate on the number of unusable doses, and it’s currently unclear how or if the problem will affect future deliveries.
An ingredient made by Emergent BioSolutions, one of around 10 companies the drugmaker uses to speed up manufacturing did not meet quality standards, the company reported.
J&J said the Emergent factory involved had not yet been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.T
The company had promised to provide 20 million doses of its vaccine to the U.S. government by the end of March, and 80 million more by the end of May. A statement on the manufacturing problem said it was still planning to deliver 100 million doses by the end of June and was “aiming to deliver those doses by the end of May.”
President Joe Biden has pledged to provide enough doses for all US adults by the end of May.
A federal official said Wednesday evening that the goal can still be met without additional J&J doses.