MUMBAI: Sputnik V Covid-19 of Russia vaccine, which reported an efficiency of more than 95%, will be twice as cheap as Pfizer and Moderna with similar positive results. Sputnik V, developed by Gamaleya Institute Y RDIF (Russian Direct Investment Fund), will be priced at less than $ 20 per person for the two doses in global markets including India, and may be available here in February.
The vaccine has yet to undergo trials in India and will be manufactured by National companies. Hyderabad-based Dr Reddy’s and RDIF have partnered to conduct clinical trials and distribute them in India. Although the vaccine has a price advantage over the two companies mentioned, there could be a challenge in its distribution, as it requires a specialized cooling chain, experts say.
The efficacy of the Sputnik V vaccine is 91.4%, based on the second analysis of interim data obtained 28 days after the administration of the first dose (7 days after the second dose). Preliminary data obtained 42 days after the first dose indicates an efficacy greater than 95%, according to a statement. Sputnik V, a two-dose vaccine on the human adenoviral vector platform, will soon begin phase II clinical trials in 100 subjects in India, while phase III trials will involve 1,500 participants. In October, Dr. Reddy’s and RDIF received approval from the Comptroller General of Medicines of India to conduct adaptive phase II / III human clinical trials for the vaccine in India. As part of the partnership, RDIF will supply 100 million doses of the vaccine to Dr. Reddy’s.
The first international deliveries of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine will take place in January 2021 based on existing partnerships with foreign manufacturersadds the statement.
Details on the vaccine, trials and manufacturers in India are still incomplete. “There are two forms of vaccine, one of which requires -18 ° C (liquid) and must be transported in special refrigerators. The second form is lyophilized (lyophilized) and can be stored at +2 to -8 ° C. We expect the lyophilized version to be shipped in large quantities to many countries, including India, in February, ”an RDIF spokesperson told TOI. “The uniqueness of the vaccine lies in the use of two different vectors based on human adenovirus, which allows a stronger and longer-term immune response compared to vaccines that use the same vector for two doses,” he adds the notice.
Existing agreements between RDIF and major foreign pharmaceutical companies allow Sputnik V vaccine to be produced abroad for 500 million people a year, starting in 2021.
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