Russia’s coronavirus vaccine is 92% effective, according to the Russian Direct Investment Fund, the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.
The vaccine, dubbed “Sputnik V,” has generated controversy because the Russian Ministry of Health approved its use in August despite no Phase 3 trials being completed. Phase 3 trials are conducted to determine the safety and effectiveness of a vaccine.
RDIF claimed that 40,000 people are participating in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial. Sputnik requires two doses of the vaccine, given 21 days apart. The 92% effectiveness is based on 16,000 who have received both doses of the vaccine. There were no reported adverse side effects. There were 20 participants divided between those who received the vaccine and those who received the placebo who developed COVID-19.
This follows Pfizer announcing Monday that its coronavirus vaccine was 90% effective. Ninety-four people in Pfizer’s Phase 3 trials have tested positive for the virus.
Russia is ramping up for widespread use of the vaccine, aiming to produce 800,000 doses this month and 1.5 million in December.
