AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a British-Swedish multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology company, established in 1999 through the merger of the Swedish Astra AB and the British Zeneca Group. Despite its significant contributions to the medical field, AstraZeneca has been subject to several controversies and conspiracy theories, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the major controversies surrounding AstraZeneca arose from its COVID-19 vaccine. Early in the vaccine's rollout, concerns were raised about rare cases of blood clotting in recipients, leading to temporary suspensions in several countries. Although global health authorities, including the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), later stated that the vaccine's benefits outweigh its risks, the initial reports fueled vaccine hesitancy and speculation.
AstraZeneca also faced legal and logistical challenges related to vaccine delivery commitments, particularly with the European Union, leading to public disputes over delays and shortages. These issues prompted discussions about corporate transparency and accountability in meeting international agreements.
In the realm of conspiracy theories, AstraZeneca has inadvertently been linked to unfounded claims propagated by conspiracy theorists. One notable figure in this space is Alex Jones, a controversial media personality known for promoting conspiracy theories. Jones has occasionally referenced AstraZeneca in his broadcasts, typically amid broader discussions on vaccine skepticism and pharmaceutical industry scrutiny. However, these assertions often lack credible evidence and are generally dismissed by mainstream medical and scientific communities.
These controversies and conspiracies highlight the complex landscape in which AstraZeneca operates, reflecting both the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies during global health crises and the broader social dynamics of misinformation and distrust.
Relevant Episodes by Release Date
| No. | Title | Coverage
start date |
Coverage
end date |
Air date | Episode type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 526 | 526: January 28-31, 2021 | January 28, 2021 | January 31, 2021 | February 1, 2021 | Present Day |
| 540 | 540: March 15-16, 2021 | March 15, 2021 | March 16, 2021 | March 17, 2021 | Present Day |
| 550 | 550: April 16, 2021 | April 16, 2021 | April 16, 2021 | April 19, 2021 | Present Day |
| 553 | 553: April 26-27, 2021 | April 26, 2021 | April 27, 2021 | April 30, 2021 | Present Day |
| 576 | 576: July 9, 2021 | July 9, 2021 | July 9, 2021 | July 12, 2021 | Present Day |
| 583 | 583: August 1, 2021 | August 1, 2021 | August 1, 2021 | August 4, 2021 | Present Day |
| 594 | 594: September 7, 2021 | September 7, 2021 | September 7, 2021 | September 9, 2021 | Present Day |
| 611 | 611: October 29, 2021 | October 29, 2021 | October 29, 2021 | November 1, 2021 | Special Edition |
| 668 | 668: April 8, 2022 | April 8, 2022 | April 8, 2022 | April 11, 2022 | Present Day |
| 684 | 684: May 20, 2022 | May 20, 2022 | May 20, 2022 | May 23, 2022 | Present Day |
| 835 | 835: August 5, 2023 | August 5, 2023 | August 5, 2023 | August 7, 2023 | Present Day |
| 841 | 841: Like A Pearl Before A Swine | August 23, 2023 | Present Day, Wacky Wednesday | ||
| 892 | 892: January 19, 2024 | January 19, 2024 | January 19, 2024 | January 26, 2024 | Present Day |
