Russian coronavirus vaccine shows signs of immune response

Russian scientists say early tests of their coronavirus vaccine showed signs of an immune response.

Russian scientists have published the first report of their coronavirus vaccine named Sputnik-V. It was published by the medical journal The Lancet. The report mentioned that each participant developed antibodies to deal with coronavirus and no side effects were felt. It showed signs of immune response.

The Lancet paper said that scientists had two trials of the vaccine between June and July. Each involved 38 healthy volunteers who were given a vaccine dose. They were also given a booster vaccine after three weeks.

According to the international news agency BBC, The participants – aged between 18 and 60 – were monitored for 42 days and all of them developed antibodies within three weeks. Headaches and joint pain were among the common side effects.

“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.

The paper also mentioned that the third phase of trials will involve 40,000 volunteers from “different age and risk groups”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has earlier announced that the country has registered the world’s first coronavirus vaccine early Tuesday.

Vladimir Putin said that Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute has successfully registered the world’s first Covid-19 vaccine for use. He also said that his daughter is among those who have tested the medicine.