The Lancet is one of the oldest, most respected weekly peer-reviewed medical journals. On February 2, 2021, it confirmed Russian Phase 3 trials show a ‘consistent strong protective effect across all participant age groups’. When Lancet approves of Russia’s sputnik vaccine code name Gam-COVID-Vac, this means this is something we can trust.
Is Russia’s Sputnik Any Different From the Others?
Not really, except for the byline “Sputnik V” which adds a subtle touch of humor. Gam-COVID-Vac uses a two-shot recombinant adenovirus, as do Oxford–AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and CanSinoBIO-Beijing.
However, the two serum doses of the Sputnik and CanSinoBIO-Beijing versions use different harmless adenoviruses for their second shots. The Lancet believes this is in order to overcome any pre-existing adenovirus immunity in the population.
Recombinant adenovirus vaccines are popular, because they can provide a measure of immunity after a single shot. Moreover, they are sufficiently robust to store at -0.4 ºF / -18 ºC which suits many existing supply chains.
Indian Authorization Follows Lancet Approval of Russia’s Vaccine
India’s leading multinational pharmaceutical company Dr. Reddy’s is seeking emergency authorization for Russia’s Sputnik vaccine, according to Times Live. The company will soon begin small clinical trials. And it hopes for the green light by February / March 2021. The vaccine has proven effectiveness against COVID-19 of 91.6%, which puts it in the upper tier.
The other adenovirus vaccines are coping with the United Kingdom and South African strains, although less effectively against the latter. Therefore, we welcome Gam-COVID-Vac to the stable of measures available to counter the pandemic.
Conclusion by The Lancet
‘The development of the Sputnik V vaccine has been criticized for unseemly haste, corner cutting, and an absence of transparency. But the outcome reported here is clear, and the scientific principle of vaccination is demonstrated. Which means another vaccine can now join the fight to reduce the incidence of COVID-19. We declare no competing interests’
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What We Do Know About the Russian Vaccine
Preview Image: Sputnik Arrives in Argentina
