The Sputnik V vaccine, developed by Russia, is 91.6% effective in protecting against symptomatic COVID-19 – on par with currently approved Western actions, according to a study published in The Lancet.
The data come from a phase 3 study, with nearly 20,000 participants in a number of hospitals and clinics in Russia participating in the two-dose regimen. Starting 21 days after the first dose, there were 16 cases of symptomatic COVID-19 in the vaccine group versus 62 cases in the placebo group, the researchers reported. There were no cases of “moderate or severe” coronavirus infections in the vaccinated group 21 days after the first dose.
The clinical study also looked at people over the age of 60, who found that jab was 91.8% effective, based on 2144 participants.
The issue of efficacy in the elderly has hampered the debate over the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine due to a lack of data. Last week, German experts recommended that the shooting be limited to those under 65 until more data was collected.
The Sputnik V vaccine is based on an adenoviral vector, which involves using a modified version of the common cold to induce cells to produce the spike protein found on coronavirus. The body then produces antibodies that target the protein, providing immune protection. The Russian-made jab differs from the Oxford / AstraZeneca photo – which is based on a similar technology – because it uses two different viruses in each photo.
The study’s authors say that the two-part vaccination strategy can help create a stronger immune response, as it lowers the body’s risk of developing resistance to jab, which would otherwise reduce the effectiveness of the second vaccine.
However, the study also notes that because coronavirus cases were detected only after participants reported symptoms and were then tested, efficacy only covers symptomatic coronavirus cases. The study concluded that more research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of asymptomatic cases.
In the EU, only Hungary has given its approval to use Russian fire, although talks with the European Medicines Agency are ongoing. Serbia and Belarus have lit the vaccine green. A spokesman for Russia’s Direct Investment Fund, which is responsible for promoting Sputnik globally, said it plans to begin reviewing the jab with the EMA this month.
The clinical trial is ongoing and aims to include a total of approximately 40,000 participants.
In a written commentary, Ian Jones, a professor at the University of Reading, and Polly Roy, a professor at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, noted that “the result reported here is clear,” despite all criticism of Sputnik’s absence. transparency and the “inappropriate rush” of its development.
“Another vaccine can now join the fight to reduce the incidence of COVID-19,” they said.