COVID-19: Russian Vaccine Shows Signs of Immune Response

Russian scientists have released their first coronavirus vaccine study claiming early studies shows signs of immune response, reports BBC.

The study published by medical journal The Lancet said each participant had developed antibodies to combat the virus and had no significant side effects.

In August, Russia approved the vaccine for local use, the first country to do so and before the data were released.

Experts claim the experiments were too limited to show safety and efficacy.

Russia approved the vaccine for local use in August, the first country to do so and before release of the results.

Experts agree that the experiments were too limited to show safety and efficacy.

President Vladimir Putin said last month that the vaccine had passed all the requisite tests and that it had been given to one of his own children.

What does the report say?

Two vaccine trials were performed between June and July, said The Lancet article, called Sputnik-V. Every one included 38 healthy volunteers who were given a dose of the vaccine and then three weeks later a booster vaccine.

Participants-between the ages of 18 and 60-were tracked for 42 days and all developed antibodies in three weeks time. Headaches and joint pain were amongst the most common side effects.

The trials were open label and not randomized, meaning there was no placebo and the participants were aware of the vaccine they got.

"Large, long-term trials including a placebo comparison, and further monitoring are needed to establish the long-term safety and effectiveness of the vaccine for preventing Covid-19 infection," the report said.

According to the report, the third phase of trials will include 40,000 participants from "various age and risk categories."

To activate an immune response, the Russian vaccine uses adapted adenovirus strains, a virus that usually causes the common cold.

What has the reaction been?

During a news conference, Kirill Dmitriev, head of a Russian investment fund behind the vaccine, said the study was "a strong response to the skeptics who opposed the Russian vaccine unreasonably."

He said 3,000 persons were already hired for the next trial process.

Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said the country would start vaccinations from November or December, with a focus on high-risk groups.

But experts warned that there was still a long way to go until a vaccine could enter the market.

Brendan Wen, professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for Microbial Pathogenesis, told Reuters news agency: "The report is a case of 'so far, so good '."

There are 176 new vaccines currently being produced worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Among those, 34 are being tested on people at this time. Of all, eight are the most advanced at stage three.