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AstraZeneca COVID-19 sales jump despite challenges

Sales of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine in the second quarter have more than tripled to $894 million, compared to the first quarter.

This comes despite the drugmaker's ongoing setbacks.

On Thursday, AstraZeneca delayed its U.S. application for approval again as it gathers more data for submissions.

It's also faced disputes over data, production problems, and links to rare side-effects that have led some countries to stop or restrict its use.

The United States has been particularly critical of the vaccine.

The drugmaker is hoping to settle legal proceedings with the European Commission over vaccine delivery commitments, as well.

Despite these setbacks, the company said the vaccine brought in $1.17 billion in sales in the first six months of year.

That puts it among its best selling products.

The COVID vaccine has been promoted as a major weapon against the pandemic as it's cheaper and easier to use than some rivals.

AstraZeneca and its Indian manufacturing partner say they have supplied a billion doses to 170 countries so far.

It's also said it will not make a profit from the shot during the pandemic but hopes to eventually generate earnings to make the business sustainable.