Russian media outlets have reported that Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University has successfully completed a clinical trial of the first Russian-made COVID-19 vaccine on volunteers. The trials, which were conducted on a group of 38 volunteers in two batches, began on 18 June, according to the university.
Forbes reports that Elena Smolyarchuk, chief researcher for the Russian Center for Clinical Research on Medications at Sechenov University, spoke to Russian news agency TASS and reported that test patients will soon be discharged.
"The research has been completed and it proved that the vaccine is safe. The volunteers will be discharged on July 15 and July 20," Smolyarchuk told TASS.
It was not mentioned in the report when the vaccine would become commercially available.
The Russian government had permitted clinical trials of two types of potential vaccines for COVID-19. One was carried out on volunteers at the Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University and the other at the Burdenko Military Hospital. Both vaccines were developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology.
The first stage of human trials involved 18 test patients, with 20 more volunteers receiving the vaccine five days later. The test patients were given an intramuscular injection, and according to Russian media, side effects of the vaccine include headaches and fever, which should disappear within 24 hours. After receiving the vaccine, the test patients were admitted to a quarantine facility for 28 days.
Results of the coronavirus vaccine indicated that the test patients were developing immunity to the virus. However, the name of the drug was neither mentioned nor discussed. Russian public health officials have not disclosed the type of drug used either.
The World Health Organization says that there at least 21 vaccines under trial worldwide. Labs across the globe are taking their respective approach to come up with a solution and put a stop to the coronavirus once and for all.
As of this writing, Russia has approximately 734,000 cases of COVID-19, with a death toll of 11,439. Public health officials over the weekend lifted the mandatory wearing of masks in public. However, people are required to wear masks and gloves when going to a medical facility, riding public transportation, and buying goods.
