The Sputnik V vaccine, developed by Russia, is 91.6% effective in protecting against symptomatic COVID-19, on par with Western spikes currently approved, according to a peer-reviewed study published in The Lancet Tuesday.
The data come from a Phase 3 study, with nearly 20,000 participants in various hospitals and clinics in Russia participating in the two-dose regimen. From 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 trial also looked at people over 60, and found that the neck was 91.8% effective, based on 2,144 participants.
The issue of efficacy in the elderly has stubbornly debated the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine due to lack of data. Last week, German experts recommended that shooting be restricted 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 ear protein found in coronavirus. The body then produces antibodies to the protein, which provides immune protection. The Russian-made jab is distinguished from the Oxford / AstraZeneca shot, which is based on a similar technology, because it uses two different viruses in each shot.
The study’s authors say the two-part vaccine strategy can “help create a more powerful immune response,” as it reduces the risk of the body developing resistance to the punch, which would otherwise reduce the risk. effectiveness of the second shot.
However, the study also notes that since coronavirus cases were only detected once participants reported symptoms and were tested, efficacy only covers symptomatic coronavirus cases. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of asymptomatic cases, the study concluded.
In the EU, only Hungary has approved the use of the Russian feature, although talks with the European Medicines Agency continue. Serbia and Belarus have vaccinated. A spokesman for Russia’s Direct Investment Fund, which is tasked with 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 about 40,000 participants in total.
In a written comment, 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 the criticism of the lack of Sputnik. the transparency and “inaccurate hurry” of its development.
“Another vaccine may now join the fight to reduce the incidence of COVID-19,” they said.