The makers of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine have demanded an apology from the European Union's medicine regulator. This after a senior official urged EU member states not to use the Sputnik V vaccine yet.

Russia seeks apology from EU over Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine

Germans say that they are ready to receive Russian's Sputnik V as the European Union is facing falt for slow inoculation. The Berlin residents have said that they will take the Russian jab as they have to accept whatever has been offered. Russian Scientists have given Sputnik V the green light saying that it's 92% effective.

Germans demand Russian vaccine amid slow rollout

Russia has begun supplying its Sputnik V Covid vaccine to the rebel-controlled region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine despite a ban by Kyiv.

Ukraine's government is planning to receive shipments of Western-made vaccines from February and has prohibited the use of Russia's Sputnik V.

Kyiv, however, has little control over Donetsk on its border with Russia, where conflict between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-backed separatist rebels has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014.

Denis Pushilin, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic, was quoted by the region's news agency DAN as saying vaccinations would soon begin thanks to Russian supplies. He said health workers and teachers were among those being vaccinated first and free of charge.

It was not clear which institution supplied the doses. On Saturday, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which markets the Sputnik vaccine abroad, said it did not supply the Donetsk or Luhansk breakaway regions.

Russia has begun supplying its Sputnik V Covid vaccine to the rebel-controlled region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine despite a ban by Kyiv. Ukraine's government is planning to receive shipments of Western-made vaccines from February and has prohibited the use of Russia's Sputnik V.

Russia has begun supplying its Sputnik V Covid vaccine to the rebel-controlled region of Donetsk in eastern Ukraine despite a ban by Kyiv. Ukraine's government is planning to receive shipments of Western-made vaccines from February and has prohibited the use of Russia's Sputnik V. Kyiv, however, has little control over Donetsk on its border with Russia, where conflict between Ukrainian troops and Moscow-backed separatist rebels has killed more than 13,000 people since 2014. Denis Pushilin, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk republic, was quoted by the region's news agency DAN as saying vaccinations would soon begin thanks to Russian supplies. He said health workers and teachers were among those being vaccinated first and free of charge. It was not clear which institution supplied the doses. On Saturday, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which markets the Sputnik vaccine abroad, said it did not supply the Donetsk or Luhansk breakaway regions.

Russia begins supplying Sputnik V doses to rebel-held area despite Ukraine ban

The Hungarian government said Friday it had reached a deal to buy large quantities of Russia's Sputnik V <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine</a>, even though it has not been approved by the European Union's medicines watchdog.

"Hungary has concluded with Russia an agreement to buy in three phases large quantities of the Sputnik V vaccine; the contract has been negotiated, and signed during the night," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video statement on his Facebook page after meeting the Russian health minister in Moscow.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-starts-export-of-coronavirus-vaccine-to-brazil-mauritius-and-more-countries-358478" hreflang="en">India starts export of coronavirus vaccine to Brazil, Mauritius, and more countries</a>

He added more details would be given "during the day".

The deal comes a day after Hungary became the first EU member to approve Sputnik V, as well as the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.

Hungary has repeatedly criticised what it says is the slow pace of vaccine approval and procurement by EU authorities.

According to regulations from the EU's Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA), a national regulator may grant a temporary licence for a vaccine in an emergency situation.&nbsp;

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-doctor-steals-vial-of-coronavirus-vaccine-may-face-jail-time-358464" hreflang="en">Texas doctor steals vial of coronavirus vaccine; may face jail time</a>

The EMA is currently evaluating the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and has said a decision on its approval could come before the end of next week.

However, Sputnik V is not being examined by the agency.

The Sputnik doses still need a final sign-off from a Hungarian public health authority, so it was unknown when the first jabs would actually be administered.

Russia in August registered Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — months ahead of Western competitors but before the start of large-scale clinical trials, which left some experts wary.

The Hungarian government said Friday it had reached a deal to buy large quantities of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, even though it has not been approved by the European Union's medicines watchdog.

The Hungarian government said Friday it had reached a deal to buy large quantities of Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, even though it has not been approved by the European Union's medicines watchdog. "Hungary has concluded with Russia an agreement to buy in three phases large quantities of the Sputnik V vaccine; the contract has been negotiated, and signed during the night," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a video statement on his Facebook page after meeting the Russian health minister in Moscow. Also read| India starts export of coronavirus vaccine to Brazil, Mauritius, and more countries He added more details would be given "during the day". The deal comes a day after Hungary became the first EU member to approve Sputnik V, as well as the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine. Hungary has repeatedly criticised what it says is the slow pace of vaccine approval and procurement by EU authorities. According to regulations from the EU's Amsterdam-based European Medicines Agency (EMA), a national regulator may grant a temporary licence for a vaccine in an emergency situation. Also read| Texas doctor steals vial of coronavirus vaccine; may face jail time The EMA is currently evaluating the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine and has said a decision on its approval could come before the end of next week. However, Sputnik V is not being examined by the agency. The Sputnik doses still need a final sign-off from a Hungarian public health authority, so it was unknown when the first jabs would actually be administered. Russia in August registered Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — months ahead of Western competitors but before the start of large-scale clinical trials, which left some experts wary.

Hungary procures 'large quantities' of Russian vaccine

Brazil’s health regulator has delayed the approval of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, citing the need for more data on the vaccine.

Drugmaker Uniao Quimica’s application for emergency use of Sputnik V have been returned to the company for failing to meet its criteria, Reuters reported on Sunday.

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Regulator Anvisa in a statement on the website of the health ministry said that the request failed to provide enough promise on the Phase 3 clinical trials, along with issues in manufacturing the vaccine.

Uniao Quimica, the company in question is seeking allowing usage of 10 million doses of Sputnik V in Brazil, in the first quarter of 2021.

Russia’s RDIF is promoting the vaccine around the globe, and on Sunday claimed that Anvisa had requested more information, which it may receive soon.

Additionally, its statement claimed that such requests coming in from regulators are normal, and do not necessarily mean the rejection of the vaccine’s registration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-says-15-million-vaccinated-globally-with-sputnik-v-355985" hreflang="en">Russia says 1.5 million vaccinated globally with Sputnik V</a>

A legislation is currently making its way to Brazilian Senate. If approved, it would allow the usage of all vaccine that other countries have approved for sure.

Even though clinical trials of Sputnik V remain incomplete even in Russia, the vaccine is being deployed to people on a large-scale.

Anvisa previously claimed that for Sputnik V to be registered and authorised in Brazil, data for Phase 3 trials would be necessary. Additionally, the regulator added that any company seeking emergency authorisation of vaccines must be able to prove that it is safe in the long-term, and can also provide effectiveness.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-to-begin-trials-of-single-dose-sputnik-light-coronavirus-vaccine-356085" hreflang="en">Russia to begin trials of single-dose 'Sputnik Light' coronavirus vaccine</a>

On Sunday, Brazil’s regulator will decide whether to approve the emergency use of vaccines made by China’s Sinovac, and Britain’s AstraZenecea.

Sputnik V has already been registered in Serbia, Belarus, Argentina, Algeria, Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela, and by Palestinian agencies.

In addition, registrations for two more countries are expected by next week.

Brazil’s health regulator has delayed the approval of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, citing the need for more data on the vaccine. Drugmaker Uniao Quimica’s application for emergency use of Sputnik V have been returned to the company for failing to meet its criteria, Reuters reported on Sunday.

Brazil’s health regulator has delayed the approval of Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine, citing the need for more data on the vaccine. Drugmaker Uniao Quimica’s application for emergency use of Sputnik V have been returned to the company for failing to meet its criteria, Reuters reported on Sunday. Regulator Anvisa in a statement on the website of the health ministry said that the request failed to provide enough promise on the Phase 3 clinical trials, along with issues in manufacturing the vaccine. Uniao Quimica, the company in question is seeking allowing usage of 10 million doses of Sputnik V in Brazil, in the first quarter of 2021. Russia’s RDIF is promoting the vaccine around the globe, and on Sunday claimed that Anvisa had requested more information, which it may receive soon. Additionally, its statement claimed that such requests coming in from regulators are normal, and do not necessarily mean the rejection of the vaccine’s registration. Also read: Russia says 1.5 million vaccinated globally with Sputnik V A legislation is currently making its way to Brazilian Senate. If approved, it would allow the usage of all vaccine that other countries have approved for sure. Even though clinical trials of Sputnik V remain incomplete even in Russia, the vaccine is being deployed to people on a large-scale. Anvisa previously claimed that for Sputnik V to be registered and authorised in Brazil, data for Phase 3 trials would be necessary. Additionally, the regulator added that any company seeking emergency authorisation of vaccines must be able to prove that it is safe in the long-term, and can also provide effectiveness. Also read: Russia to begin trials of single-dose 'Sputnik Light' coronavirus vaccine On Sunday, Brazil’s regulator will decide whether to approve the emergency use of vaccines made by China’s Sinovac, and Britain’s AstraZenecea. Sputnik V has already been registered in Serbia, Belarus, Argentina, Algeria, Bolivia, Paraguay, Venezuela, and by Palestinian agencies. In addition, registrations for two more countries are expected by next week.

Brazil's regulator delays emergency authorisation of Sputnik V, demands more data

In a first, the Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel got on a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of jointly producing coronavirus vaccines.

"Issues of cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic were discussed with an emphasis on the possible prospects for joint production of vaccines," the Kremlin's statement read.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/schools-salons-shut-down-in-germany-as-merkel-announces-another-covid-19-lockdown-349511">&nbsp;Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another COVID-19 lockdown</a>

The phone call came a few days after both the countries started mass&nbsp;vaccination drives, with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and German's pharmaceutical company BioNTech's vaccine in partnership with Pfizer.

Russia's local vaccine, Sputnik V —&nbsp;named after the Soviet-era satellite — was hailed as the first vaccine as it was registered in August. The vaccine was registered far before the trials were started, which raised concerns about its efficacy at the time. Since then, however, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have taken a lead and have been approved by several countries.

The Putin-led country&nbsp;started a mass vaccination drive in early December, making the jab first available to high-risk groups including medics, teachers and the elderly. The local vaccine was also sent to&nbsp;Belarus, Serbia and Argentina, and also announced to send nearly 2.6 million doses to Bolivia if the production rate is satisfied.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-moscow-hires-first-women-train-drivers-after-decades-long-ban-354555">WATCH|</a>

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While the information about an ongoing phone call was reported, the outcome of the same has not been revealed. The Kremlin only claimed that an agreement was reached to "continue contacts on the issue" between the health experts and concerned government officials of the two countries.

The heads of the two countries also discussed the settlement between&nbsp;Kiev and pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. The topic was discussed in length as it has been on a standstill since signing of peace accords in 2015.

In a first, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel got on a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of jointly producing coronavirus vaccines.

In a first, the Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel got on a phone call on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of jointly producing coronavirus vaccines. "Issues of cooperation in combating the coronavirus pandemic were discussed with an emphasis on the possible prospects for joint production of vaccines," the Kremlin's statement read. Also read| Schools, salons shut down in Germany as Merkel announces another COVID-19 lockdown The phone call came a few days after both the countries started mass vaccination drives, with Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and German's pharmaceutical company BioNTech's vaccine in partnership with Pfizer. Russia's local vaccine, Sputnik V — named after the Soviet-era satellite — was hailed as the first vaccine as it was registered in August. The vaccine was registered far before the trials were started, which raised concerns about its efficacy at the time. Since then, however, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna have taken a lead and have been approved by several countries. The Putin-led country started a mass vaccination drive in early December, making the jab first available to high-risk groups including medics, teachers and the elderly. The local vaccine was also sent to Belarus, Serbia and Argentina, and also announced to send nearly 2.6 million doses to Bolivia if the production rate is satisfied. WATCH| × While the information about an ongoing phone call was reported, the outcome of the same has not been revealed. The Kremlin only claimed that an agreement was reached to "continue contacts on the issue" between the health experts and concerned government officials of the two countries. The heads of the two countries also discussed the settlement between Kiev and pro-Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine. The topic was discussed in length as it has been on a standstill since signing of peace accords in 2015.

Russia's Putin and Germany's Merkel discuss possible joint vaccine production

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19&nbsp;vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the&nbsp;Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60.

A few days after the announcement, Russia started transporting its first big international shipment, which was almost&nbsp;300,000 doses to Argentina. however, the shipment&nbsp;consisted only of the first dose of the two-shot vaccine, which is easier to make than the second dose.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-first-six-cases-of-mutant-coronavirus-from-britain-353077" hreflang="en">India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain</a>

"We are going to have to keep taking care of ourselves. It will take a few months for the vaccine to have a widespread effect," said&nbsp;&nbsp;Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia.

This news has attracted criticism from the locals in Russia who feel more doses should have been first available or the Russians rather than being shipped off to Argentina this week.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-reports-first-case-of-new-coronavirus-strain-that-emerged-in-south-africa-353072" hreflang="en">Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa</a>

While Argentina has received and started rolling out 300,000 doses, some regions of Rusia are reporting to have received only 2,000 doses or less than that till now.

This is Argentina's second coronavirus vaccine, which has been brought into action a few days after the elderly people of the country were administered the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-mutation-tracker-new-strain-leading-to-chaos-and-confusion-across-the-globe-353019" hreflang="en">Coronavirus mutation tracker: New strain leading to chaos across the globe</a>

The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority. Argentina has also become the first country in Ámericas'to use Russia's Sputnik V vaccine.

The Sputnik V vaccine was being hailed as the first COVID-19 vaccine but has since failed to gain the momentum similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was first approved by the Uk and other countries followed the footsteps.

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19 vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60.

Argentina has officially launched COVID-19 vaccinations with Russia's Sputnik V shots on Tuesday, the local government reported. The news has come a few days after the Russia health ministry approved the vaccine for people over the age of 60. A few days after the announcement, Russia started transporting its first big international shipment, which was almost 300,000 doses to Argentina. however, the shipment consisted only of the first dose of the two-shot vaccine, which is easier to make than the second dose. Also read| India reports first six cases of mutant coronavirus from Britain "We are going to have to keep taking care of ourselves. It will take a few months for the vaccine to have a widespread effect," said Health Minister Gines Gonzalez Garcia. This news has attracted criticism from the locals in Russia who feel more doses should have been first available or the Russians rather than being shipped off to Argentina this week. Also read| Japan reports first case of new coronavirus strain that emerged in South Africa While Argentina has received and started rolling out 300,000 doses, some regions of Rusia are reporting to have received only 2,000 doses or less than that till now. This is Argentina's second coronavirus vaccine, which has been brought into action a few days after the elderly people of the country were administered the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. Also read| Coronavirus mutation tracker: New strain leading to chaos across the globe The vaccination drive began simultaneously around the country with frontline healthcare workers given priority. Argentina has also become the first country in Ámericas'to use Russia's Sputnik V vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine was being hailed as the first COVID-19 vaccine but has since failed to gain the momentum similar to the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which was first approved by the Uk and other countries followed the footsteps.

Argentina starts coronavirus vaccine with Russia's Sputnik V

The Gamaleya Institute in Moscow which developed the Sputnik V, Russia’s first vaccine against COVID-19 on Wednesday claimed that volunteers in its final-stage trials for the vaccine will no longer receive placebos.

The vaccine is now undergoing large-scale trials in the final stage to ascertain the safety imbued in the vaccine - which was touted as the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine by Russian authorities.&nbsp;

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A few months ago, reports started emerging about the vaccine being given to top players in Russian administration, including President Putin’s daughter.

The RIA news agency reported that placebos will no longer be part of the trial. In every vaccine trial, placebos are used to ensure no false results are logged.

The director of Gamaleya Institute - Alexander Ginsburg said that the Health Ministry has officially ended the usage of placebos on the recruits for the most crucial and the final stages of trials.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/astrazeneca-signs-memorandum-of-cooperation-with-russias-sputnik-v-to-combine-covid-19-vaccine-351417" hreflang="en">AstraZeneca signs memorandum of cooperation with Russia's Sputnik V to combine COVID-19 vaccine</a>

"Everything there has been proven and the pandemic is ongoing, so a placebo is not good at all," Ginsburg said, as reported by RIA.

The institute chief added how he would like to identify people who had been given the placebo, but added that it’s unclear whether “the regulator” would “allow this”.

Earlier this month, Russia rolled out the Sputnik V vaccine for healthcare workers among others on the frontline of fighting the virus.

Reuters claims that over 200,000 people in the country have already been inoculated. Data from the ongoing trials which was published last week shed light on the success rates of Sputnik V.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/developers-say-sputnik-v-likely-to-give-2-years-covid-19-immunity-pfizer-4-5-months-349826" hreflang="en">Developers say Sputnik V likely to give 2 years Covid-19 immunity, Pfizer 4-5 months</a>

Russia had received criticism for approving the vaccine after less than two months of human testing August. But data claims that the vaccine is 91.4 per cent effective in fighting COVID-19.

Breaking protocol, the regulators did not wait for the results of stage-3 trials before allowing emergency use authorisation. In usual circumstances, many volunteers receive the vaccine or the placebo. They are not told which one has been given to them. Once enough people get infected in the natural environment, the infection rates are ascertained, and so is the success rate.

The Gamaleya Institute in Moscow which developed the Sputnik V, Russia’s first vaccine against COVID-19 on Wednesday claimed that volunteers in its final-stage trials for the vaccine will no longer receive placebos.

The Gamaleya Institute in Moscow which developed the Sputnik V, Russia’s first vaccine against COVID-19 on Wednesday claimed that volunteers in its final-stage trials for the vaccine will no longer receive placebos. The vaccine is now undergoing large-scale trials in the final stage to ascertain the safety imbued in the vaccine - which was touted as the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine by Russian authorities. A few months ago, reports started emerging about the vaccine being given to top players in Russian administration, including President Putin’s daughter. The RIA news agency reported that placebos will no longer be part of the trial. In every vaccine trial, placebos are used to ensure no false results are logged. The director of Gamaleya Institute - Alexander Ginsburg said that the Health Ministry has officially ended the usage of placebos on the recruits for the most crucial and the final stages of trials. Also read: AstraZeneca signs memorandum of cooperation with Russia's Sputnik V to combine COVID-19 vaccine "Everything there has been proven and the pandemic is ongoing, so a placebo is not good at all," Ginsburg said, as reported by RIA. The institute chief added how he would like to identify people who had been given the placebo, but added that it’s unclear whether “the regulator” would “allow this”. Earlier this month, Russia rolled out the Sputnik V vaccine for healthcare workers among others on the frontline of fighting the virus. Reuters claims that over 200,000 people in the country have already been inoculated. Data from the ongoing trials which was published last week shed light on the success rates of Sputnik V. Also read: Developers say Sputnik V likely to give 2 years Covid-19 immunity, Pfizer 4-5 months Russia had received criticism for approving the vaccine after less than two months of human testing August. But data claims that the vaccine is 91.4 per cent effective in fighting COVID-19. Breaking protocol, the regulators did not wait for the results of stage-3 trials before allowing emergency use authorisation. In usual circumstances, many volunteers receive the vaccine or the placebo. They are not told which one has been given to them. Once enough people get infected in the natural environment, the infection rates are ascertained, and so is the success rate.

Volunteers in Russia's Sputnik V trials to no longer receive placebos: Report

A Russian scientist who was working on the deadly coronavirus vaccine has been found dead in suspicious circumstances in St Petersburg.&nbsp;

Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kagansky, 45, was reported to have fallen in his underwear from a 14th-floor window of a high rise flat - and was allegedly found with stab wounds.

The scientist also suffered a stab wound, police said.

Police believe there was a scuffle before Kagansky fell from the building, reports said.

Russian police say they are investigating Kagansky’s death as a possible homicide and questioning a 45-year-old man as a potential suspect, e2news.com said.

The biologist had close links to Edinburgh University and had been working in the city for 13 years until at least 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Russian scientist who was working on the deadly coronavirus vaccine has been found dead in suspicious circumstances in St Petersburg. Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kagansky, 45, was reported to have fallen in his underwear from a 14th-floor window of a high rise flat - and was allegedly found with stab wounds.

A Russian scientist who was working on the deadly coronavirus vaccine has been found dead in suspicious circumstances in St Petersburg. Alexander ‘Sasha’ Kagansky, 45, was reported to have fallen in his underwear from a 14th-floor window of a high rise flat - and was allegedly found with stab wounds. The scientist also suffered a stab wound, police said. Police believe there was a scuffle before Kagansky fell from the building, reports said. Russian police say they are investigating Kagansky’s death as a possible homicide and questioning a 45-year-old man as a potential suspect, e2news.com said. The biologist had close links to Edinburgh University and had been working in the city for 13 years until at least 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian scientist working on Covid vaccine found dead with stab wounds

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective. &nbsp;

Putin -- at his annual end-of-year press conference -- said he had not been vaccinated yet, but "will definitely do so as soon as it becomes possible" according to expert advice.

The president held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" session, and answered dozens of questions from journalists and ordinary people from around the country to mark the end of a turbulent year for Kremlin.

This year, Putin faced questions on his response to the coronavirus crisis, protests and wars in post-Soviet countries and the US cyberhack.

The Russian president has made few public appearances since the start of the Covid crisis, mostly telecommuting from a windowless room that critics have derided as his “bunker.”

"I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, when asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19 on Thursday.

"I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible."

Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, said in June that the Russian leader was protected from the coronavirus by special disinfection tunnels that anyone visiting his residence or meeting him in the Kremlin must pass through.

Putin is also regularly tested for the coronavirus, Peskov has said.

Russia has recorded more than 2.7 million infections and 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Data published this week found the Sputnik V vaccine, which Russian regulators approved in August after less than two months of human testing, to be 91.4% effective.

Putin further said he doesn’t want to comment on rumours regarding COVID-19 sources.

He said, “As for the origins of the coronavirus, there are a lot of rumours. I wouldn’t like to comment on this speaking to the whole country and the world, even more so since we don’t see any proof of any accusations against anyone."

“We should not now be looking for the guilty [parties], but join efforts to fight the issue, this will be the most appropriate direction of our cooperation," he emphasised.

(with inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he would receive the Sputnik V coronavirus jab once it is approved for people his age, praising the vaccine as safe and effective. Putin -- at his annual end-of-year press conference -- said he had not been vaccinated yet, but "will definitely do so as soon as it becomes possible" according to expert advice. The president held his annual press conference with a "Direct Line" session, and answered dozens of questions from journalists and ordinary people from around the country to mark the end of a turbulent year for Kremlin. This year, Putin faced questions on his response to the coronavirus crisis, protests and wars in post-Soviet countries and the US cyberhack. The Russian president has made few public appearances since the start of the Covid crisis, mostly telecommuting from a windowless room that critics have derided as his “bunker.” "I am a fairly law-abiding person," Putin said, when asked if he had been inoculated against COVID-19 on Thursday. "I listen to the recommendations of our specialists. So I haven't had the shot yet. But I will absolutely do it as soon as that becomes possible." Dmitry Peskov, Putin's spokesman, said in June that the Russian leader was protected from the coronavirus by special disinfection tunnels that anyone visiting his residence or meeting him in the Kremlin must pass through. Putin is also regularly tested for the coronavirus, Peskov has said. Russia has recorded more than 2.7 million infections and 49,000 deaths since the start of the pandemic. Data published this week found the Sputnik V vaccine, which Russian regulators approved in August after less than two months of human testing, to be 91.4% effective. Putin further said he doesn’t want to comment on rumours regarding COVID-19 sources. He said, “As for the origins of the coronavirus, there are a lot of rumours. I wouldn’t like to comment on this speaking to the whole country and the world, even more so since we don’t see any proof of any accusations against anyone." “We should not now be looking for the guilty [parties], but join efforts to fight the issue, this will be the most appropriate direction of our cooperation," he emphasised. (with inputs from agencies)

Putin says will get vaccine when possible; won't comment on Covid-19 source

As the race to produce and distribute vaccines around the world enters a new stage with the authorization of US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, Kremlin said today that "dirty methods" were being used to discredit the Russian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clinical-trials-of-sputnik-v-vaccine-begin-in-india-346752">Sputnik V</a> vaccine to block its access in other markets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astrazeneca-to-test-combining-covid-19-vaccine-with-russian-shot-349047">Also Read:&nbsp;AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot</a>

"These intentions are seen not only in the Kremlin, they are visible to the naked eye," Russian President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding, "Competition is fierce, and it's good when this competition is going on fairly, and there shouldn't be much competition in this market."

"Competition is being politicised and dirty methods are being used to discredit our vaccine," Peskov asserted.

Putin's spokesman added that Sputnik V was "secure, good and in demand", while lamenting that "certain countries and their pharmaceutical corporate giants don't use very polite methods."

Russia was the first country to unveil the coronavirus vaccine in August and named it Sputnik V after the world's first satellite launched by the former USSR in 1957.

Several countries including Venezuela, Belarus and India have tied up with the Russian vaccine maker to conduct clinical trials. However, the vaccine is still under phase 3 clinical trial.&nbsp;

Russia has in the meantime administered the vaccine to its citizens and servicemen on a mass scale as Putin declared the country will go ahead with large scale vaccination campaign as COVID-19 continue to surge in the country.

Russia had begun mass vaccination of high-risk groups as manufacturers said interim results had shown that the vaccine was 95 per cent effective. The vaccine is administered in two doses with a 21-day gap and is available free of cost to its citizens.

As the race to produce and distribute vaccines around the world enters a new stage with the authorization of US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, Kremlin said today that "dirty methods" were being used to discredit the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to block its access in other markets.

As the race to produce and distribute vaccines around the world enters a new stage with the authorization of US pharma giant Pfizer and Germany's BioNTech, Kremlin said today that "dirty methods" were being used to discredit the Russian Sputnik V vaccine to block its access in other markets. Also Read: AstraZeneca to test combining COVID-19 vaccine with Russian shot "These intentions are seen not only in the Kremlin, they are visible to the naked eye," Russian President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding, "Competition is fierce, and it's good when this competition is going on fairly, and there shouldn't be much competition in this market." "Competition is being politicised and dirty methods are being used to discredit our vaccine," Peskov asserted. Putin's spokesman added that Sputnik V was "secure, good and in demand", while lamenting that "certain countries and their pharmaceutical corporate giants don't use very polite methods." Russia was the first country to unveil the coronavirus vaccine in August and named it Sputnik V after the world's first satellite launched by the former USSR in 1957. Several countries including Venezuela, Belarus and India have tied up with the Russian vaccine maker to conduct clinical trials. However, the vaccine is still under phase 3 clinical trial. Russia has in the meantime administered the vaccine to its citizens and servicemen on a mass scale as Putin declared the country will go ahead with large scale vaccination campaign as COVID-19 continue to surge in the country. Russia had begun mass vaccination of high-risk groups as manufacturers said interim results had shown that the vaccine was 95 per cent effective. The vaccine is administered in two doses with a 21-day gap and is available free of cost to its citizens.

'Dirty methods' being used to discredit Sputnik V vaccine: Kremlin

A day after Russian President Putin called for "mass vaccination" against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-could-have-broken-out-in-us-before-being-officially-confirmed-in-china-347127">coronavirus</a>, Moscow's mayor said the vaccination drive will begin from December 5.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/today-tonight-putin-says-russia-to-produce-2-mn-vaccine-in-next-few-days-347041/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine.

Russia was the first country to register the coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-the-world-has-sped-up-vaccine-approvals-347195">vaccine</a> named after the Soviet-era satellite. It is given in two doses with a 21-day gap.

Russian authorities had earlier said they would start mass vaccination from January 2021 as manufacturers said they can produce more than two million doses of the vaccine by end of this year.

Putin's announcement had come just hours after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-approves-pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-who-gets-it-first-346957">UK</a> approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rollout from next week.&nbsp;

Russia had earlier reported that the Sputnik V was 95 per cent effective. However, the vaccine is undergoing the third and final stage of clinical trials involving some 40,000 volunteers.&nbsp;

"I would ask you to organise the work so that by the end of next week we will have started this large-scale vaccination," Putin told health officials on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"More than two million doses have been produced or will be produced in the next few days," Putin added. The vaccine will be given free to Russian citizens.

Russia's health minister Mikhail Murashko had said that over 100,000 citizens have so far been<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vaccines-insufficient-to-prevent-surge-in-coronavirus-for-next-six-months-who-347022"> vaccinated</a> with Sputnik V.

The vaccination drive comes as Russia has recorded over 2,347,401 COVID-19 cases and 41,053 fatalities.

A day after Russian President Putin called for "mass vaccination" against coronavirus, Moscow's mayor said the vaccination drive will begin from December 5. Watch: Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine.

A day after Russian President Putin called for "mass vaccination" against coronavirus, Moscow's mayor said the vaccination drive will begin from December 5. Watch: Russian mayor Sergei Sobyanin asserted that teachers, doctors and social workers will be the first to be administered the Sputnik V vaccine. Russia was the first country to register the coronavirus vaccine named after the Soviet-era satellite. It is given in two doses with a 21-day gap. Russian authorities had earlier said they would start mass vaccination from January 2021 as manufacturers said they can produce more than two million doses of the vaccine by end of this year. Putin's announcement had come just hours after the UK approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine rollout from next week. Russia had earlier reported that the Sputnik V was 95 per cent effective. However, the vaccine is undergoing the third and final stage of clinical trials involving some 40,000 volunteers. "I would ask you to organise the work so that by the end of next week we will have started this large-scale vaccination," Putin told health officials on Wednesday. "More than two million doses have been produced or will be produced in the next few days," Putin added. The vaccine will be given free to Russian citizens. Russia's health minister Mikhail Murashko had said that over 100,000 citizens have so far been vaccinated with Sputnik V. The vaccination drive comes as Russia has recorded over 2,347,401 COVID-19 cases and 41,053 fatalities.

Russia to begin vaccination drive against COVID-19 from December 5

As the UK approved the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/took-steps-to-accelerate-covid-19-vaccine-process-without-shortcuts-german-firm-biontech-346949">Pfizer-BioNTech's</a> coronavirus vaccine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered "large-scale" vaccinations in the country with the Sputnik V.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biontech-news-conference-on-covid-19-vaccine-that-got-approval-by-uk-346955/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu had said earlier that military had started a mass coronavirus <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-becomes-first-country-to-approve-pfizer-biontech-covid-vaccine-for-general-use-346858">vaccination</a> campaign aimed at vaccinating 400,000 servicemen. The defence ministry had announced that 2,500 soldiers were already been vaccinated.

"I would ask you to organise the work so that by the end of next week we will have started this large-scale vaccination," Putin said. The Russian president asserted that teachers and health workers would be the first to get the vaccine.

Russian authorities had said that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine was 95 per cent effective, according to preliminary data. It was the world's first coronavirus vaccine which was unveiled by Putin in August.

The defence ministry was involved in the initial stages of developing the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/clinical-trials-of-sputnik-v-vaccine-begin-in-india-346752">Sputnik V</a> which has been named after the Soviet-era satellite.&nbsp;

Russia has been hit hard with the virus recording 25,487 new coronavirus infections last week taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to over 2,187,990 along with over 38,000 fatalities with Putin declaring the situation as "alarming".

The country has been hit by a second wave of the virus even as authorities have been downplaying the severity of the health crisis. Last month President Putin had announced that Russia had registered a second <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-vaccines-may-be-targetted-by-criminals-warns-interpol-346905">vaccine</a>, EpiVacCorona.

Russian health minister Mikhail Murashko had said that manufacturers would begin mass-producing vaccines in December or January.

As the UK approved the Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered "large-scale" vaccinations in the country with the Sputnik V.

As the UK approved the Pfizer-BioNTech's coronavirus vaccine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday ordered "large-scale" vaccinations in the country with the Sputnik V. Watch: Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu had said earlier that military had started a mass coronavirus vaccination campaign aimed at vaccinating 400,000 servicemen. The defence ministry had announced that 2,500 soldiers were already been vaccinated. "I would ask you to organise the work so that by the end of next week we will have started this large-scale vaccination," Putin said. The Russian president asserted that teachers and health workers would be the first to get the vaccine. Russian authorities had said that the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine was 95 per cent effective, according to preliminary data. It was the world's first coronavirus vaccine which was unveiled by Putin in August. The defence ministry was involved in the initial stages of developing the Sputnik V which has been named after the Soviet-era satellite. Russia has been hit hard with the virus recording 25,487 new coronavirus infections last week taking the total number of COVID-19 cases to over 2,187,990 along with over 38,000 fatalities with Putin declaring the situation as "alarming". The country has been hit by a second wave of the virus even as authorities have been downplaying the severity of the health crisis. Last month President Putin had announced that Russia had registered a second vaccine, EpiVacCorona. Russian health minister Mikhail Murashko had said that manufacturers would begin mass-producing vaccines in December or January.

After UK, Putin orders mass COVID-19 vaccination in Russia from next week

Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine will be manufactured in India, among other countries and current clinical trials are underway as well in the country.&nbsp;

CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF),&nbsp;Kirill Dmitriev,&nbsp;said, We are ready to start deliveries of the Sputnik V vaccine to foreign markets thanks to partnerships with manufacturers in India, Brazil, South Korea, China, and four other countries.”.&nbsp;RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund&nbsp;is the main body, which is funding the Sputnik vaccine project.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/vaccine-to-lowest-levels-pm-modi-speaks-on-covid-19-vaccine-cost-distribution-strategy-during-chief-ministers-meeting-345108">'Vaccine to lowest levels': PM Modi on COVID-19 vaccine cost, distribution</a>

Phase II-III clinical trials of Sputnik V Covid vaccine are underway in India, the company has said, with phase III going in&nbsp;Belarus, the UAE, Venezuela, and other countries.&nbsp;

Last month, India's Drug Control General of India gave the approval to conduct clinical trials for the vaccine. RDIF and Dr. Reddy's are in partnership to conduct trials and distribute the vaccine, with the latter sending 100 million doses to India.

According to the company,&nbsp;the vaccine is 95 per cent&nbsp;effective and will cost less than $10 or Rs 740 internationally. Since its 2 dose vaccine, the total cost is expected to be around 1480. It estimates that the first international deliveries of the vaccine will be made to customers in January&nbsp;2021.&nbsp;For the Russian Nationals, it will be free of charge.

More than&nbsp;22,000 volunteers were vaccinated with the first dose and&nbsp;more than 19,000 volunteers with the first and the second dose of the vaccine at 29 medical centers in Russia.&nbsp;

Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine will be manufactured in India, among other countries and current clinical trials are underway as well in the country. CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Kirill Dmitriev, said, We are ready to start deliveries of the Sputnik V vaccine to foreign markets thanks to partnerships with manufacturers in India, Brazil, South Korea, China, and four other countries.

Russia's Sputnik V Covid vaccine will be manufactured in India, among other countries and current clinical trials are underway as well in the country. CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Kirill Dmitriev, said, We are ready to start deliveries of the Sputnik V vaccine to foreign markets thanks to partnerships with manufacturers in India, Brazil, South Korea, China, and four other countries.”. RDIF, Russia's sovereign wealth fund is the main body, which is funding the Sputnik vaccine project. Also read| 'Vaccine to lowest levels': PM Modi on COVID-19 vaccine cost, distribution Phase II-III clinical trials of Sputnik V Covid vaccine are underway in India, the company has said, with phase III going in Belarus, the UAE, Venezuela, and other countries. Last month, India's Drug Control General of India gave the approval to conduct clinical trials for the vaccine. RDIF and Dr. Reddy's are in partnership to conduct trials and distribute the vaccine, with the latter sending 100 million doses to India. According to the company, the vaccine is 95 per cent effective and will cost less than $10 or Rs 740 internationally. Since its 2 dose vaccine, the total cost is expected to be around 1480. It estimates that the first international deliveries of the vaccine will be made to customers in January 2021. For the Russian Nationals, it will be free of charge. More than 22,000 volunteers were vaccinated with the first dose and more than 19,000 volunteers with the first and the second dose of the vaccine at 29 medical centers in Russia.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine to be manufactured in India

Israel cast a wider net on Monday in its quest to secure a vaccine for COVID-19, approaching Russia to discuss buying its Sputnik V vaccine.

WION Fineprint: Israel in talks with Russia for Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that India and China could start producing the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, news agency RIA reported.

Additionally, Putin suggested the fast-tracking of the creation of a BRICS vaccine research centre, as reported by TASS. BRICS nation-states are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/watch-russias-covid-19-vaccine-sputnik-v-arrives-in-india-342873" hreflang="en">Watch: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India</a>

According to Russia, the Sputnik V is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from coronavirus. Western drugmakers Moderna and Pfizer have claimed their vaccines are 95 and 90 per cent effective respectively.

Sputnik V was registered for public use in August, even before its large-scale trial began in September.

"We are showing, based on the data, that we have a very effective vaccine," RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev had said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/russia-says-its-sputnik-v-covid-19-vaccine-is-92-effective-342373" hreflang="en">Russia says its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine is 92% effective</a>

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company.

Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that India and China could start producing the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, news agency RIA reported. Additionally, Putin suggested the fast-tracking of the creation of a BRICS vaccine research centre, as reported by TASS.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that India and China could start producing the Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine, news agency RIA reported. Additionally, Putin suggested the fast-tracking of the creation of a BRICS vaccine research centre, as reported by TASS. BRICS nation-states are Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Also read: Watch: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India According to Russia, the Sputnik V is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from coronavirus. Western drugmakers Moderna and Pfizer have claimed their vaccines are 95 and 90 per cent effective respectively. Sputnik V was registered for public use in August, even before its large-scale trial began in September. "We are showing, based on the data, that we have a very effective vaccine," RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev had said. Also read: Russia says its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine is 92% effective Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company. Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3.

India and China may start producing Sputnik V vaccine: Russian President Putin

China on Monday denied that one of its naval vessels shone a laser at Australian military aircraft. The incident was termed an 'act of intimidation' by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.&nbsp;

A Chinese ship sailing off Australia's northern coast last week illuminated the plane, Canberra's defence department said Sunday, adding that the act had "the potential to endanger lives."

Beijing said that the laser accusation was "not true". It defended movement of the Chinese ship as "normal navigation ... in line with relevant international law."

"We urge Australia to respect the legitimate rights of Chinese ships in relevant sea areas in accordance with international law and stop spreading false information related to China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine press briefing.

"I think the Chinese government is hoping that nobody talks about these aggressive bullying acts," Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said previously, calling the incident "very aggressive".

China also was accused of targeting Australian aircraft using military-grade lasers in 2019, when Australian Defence Force helicopters were illuminated over the South China Sea.

Relations between China and Australia have nosedived in recent years after Morrison called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which first emerged globally in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

China responded by placing tariffs on Australian goods worth billions of dollars, dragging both countries into a protracted trade standoff.&nbsp;

Beijing also reacted with fury last year when Canberra joined a trilateral defence pact with the United States and Britain that would allow it to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, to counter China's growing military might in the Asia-Pacific region.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Monday denied that one of its naval vessels shone a laser at Australian military aircraft. The incident was termed an 'act of intimidation' by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

China on Monday denied that one of its naval vessels shone a laser at Australian military aircraft. The incident was termed an 'act of intimidation' by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. A Chinese ship sailing off Australia's northern coast last week illuminated the plane, Canberra's defence department said Sunday, adding that the act had "the potential to endanger lives." Beijing said that the laser accusation was "not true". It defended movement of the Chinese ship as "normal navigation ... in line with relevant international law." "We urge Australia to respect the legitimate rights of Chinese ships in relevant sea areas in accordance with international law and stop spreading false information related to China," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a routine press briefing. "I think the Chinese government is hoping that nobody talks about these aggressive bullying acts," Australian Defence Minister Peter Dutton said previously, calling the incident "very aggressive". China also was accused of targeting Australian aircraft using military-grade lasers in 2019, when Australian Defence Force helicopters were illuminated over the South China Sea. Relations between China and Australia have nosedived in recent years after Morrison called for an independent investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic, which first emerged globally in the Chinese city of Wuhan. China responded by placing tariffs on Australian goods worth billions of dollars, dragging both countries into a protracted trade standoff. Beijing also reacted with fury last year when Canberra joined a trilateral defence pact with the United States and Britain that would allow it to acquire nuclear-powered submarines, to counter China's growing military might in the Asia-Pacific region. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Russia's COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V arrives in India

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 92 per cent&nbsp;effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to interim trial results, the country's sovereign wealth fund said on Wednesday, as Moscow rushes to keep pace with Western drugmakers in the race for a shot.

The initial results are only the second to be published from a late-stage human trial in the global race to produce a vaccine that could halt a pandemic that has killed more than 1.2 million people and ravaged the world economy.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-want-to-know-about-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-sputnik-v-319775">All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V'</a>

Russia registered Sputnik V for public use in August, the first country to do so, though the approval came before the start of the large-scale trial in September.

The interim results are based on data from the first 16,000 trial participants to receive both shots of the two-dose vaccine, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has been backing the vaccine and marketing it globally, said.

The so-called Phase III trial of the shot developed by the Gamaleya Institute is taking place in 29 clinics across Moscow and will involve 40,000 volunteers in total, with a quarter receiving a placebo shot.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-sputnik-v-russia-approves-second-covid-19-vaccine-epivaccorona-335302">After Sputnik V, Russia approves second COVID-19 vaccine - EpiVacCorona</a>

The chances of contracting COVID-19 were 92&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;lower among people vaccinated with Sputnik V than those who received the placebo, the RDIF said.

That's well above the 50&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;effectiveness threshold for COVID-19 vaccines set by the US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration.

"We are showing, based on the data, that we have a very effective vaccine," said RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev, adding that it was the sort of news that the vaccine's developers would talk about one day with their grandchildren.

Russia's announcement follows swiftly on from results posted on Monday by vaccine developers Pfizer Inc and BioNTech, who said their shot was also more than 90&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;effective.

The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology and is designed to trigger an immune response without using pathogens, such as actual virus particles.

The Sputnik V vaccine is designed to trigger a response from two shots administered 21 days apart each based on different viral vectors that normally cause the common cold: human adenoviruses Ad5 and Ad26.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to interim trial results, the country's sovereign wealth fund said on Wednesday, as Moscow rushes to keep pace with Western drugmakers in the race for a shot.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine is 92 per cent effective at protecting people from COVID-19 according to interim trial results, the country's sovereign wealth fund said on Wednesday, as Moscow rushes to keep pace with Western drugmakers in the race for a shot. The initial results are only the second to be published from a late-stage human trial in the global race to produce a vaccine that could halt a pandemic that has killed more than 1.2 million people and ravaged the world economy. Also see: All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V' Russia registered Sputnik V for public use in August, the first country to do so, though the approval came before the start of the large-scale trial in September. The interim results are based on data from the first 16,000 trial participants to receive both shots of the two-dose vaccine, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has been backing the vaccine and marketing it globally, said. The so-called Phase III trial of the shot developed by the Gamaleya Institute is taking place in 29 clinics across Moscow and will involve 40,000 volunteers in total, with a quarter receiving a placebo shot. Also read: After Sputnik V, Russia approves second COVID-19 vaccine - EpiVacCorona The chances of contracting COVID-19 were 92 per cent lower among people vaccinated with Sputnik V than those who received the placebo, the RDIF said. That's well above the 50 per cent effectiveness threshold for COVID-19 vaccines set by the US Food and Drug Administration. "We are showing, based on the data, that we have a very effective vaccine," said RDIF head Kirill Dmitriev, adding that it was the sort of news that the vaccine's developers would talk about one day with their grandchildren. Russia's announcement follows swiftly on from results posted on Monday by vaccine developers Pfizer Inc and BioNTech, who said their shot was also more than 90 per cent effective. The Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine uses messenger RNA (mRNA) technology and is designed to trigger an immune response without using pathogens, such as actual virus particles. The Sputnik V vaccine is designed to trigger a response from two shots administered 21 days apart each based on different viral vectors that normally cause the common cold: human adenoviruses Ad5 and Ad26.

Russia says its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine is 92% effective

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 is more than 90% effective, a representative of the health ministry said on Monday, citing data collated from vaccinations of the public rather than from an ongoing trial.

The comments followed a statement earlier on Monday by vaccine developers Pfizer Inc and BioNTech, who said their experimental COVID-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/pfizer-biontech-claim-their-coronavirus-vaccine-is-90-effective-341931" hreflang="en">Pfizer, BioNTech claim their coronavirus vaccine is 90% effective</a>

"We are responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine among citizens who have received it as part of the mass vaccination programme," Oksana Drapkina, director of a research institute under the health ministry, said in a statement.

"Based on our observations, it is also more than 90%. The appearance of another effective vaccine - this is good news for everyone," Drapkina said.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 is more than 90% effective, a representative of the health ministry said on Monday, citing data collated from vaccinations of the public rather than from an ongoing trial.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 is more than 90% effective, a representative of the health ministry said on Monday, citing data collated from vaccinations of the public rather than from an ongoing trial. The comments followed a statement earlier on Monday by vaccine developers Pfizer Inc and BioNTech, who said their experimental COVID-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective. Also read: Pfizer, BioNTech claim their coronavirus vaccine is 90% effective "We are responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of the Sputnik V vaccine among citizens who have received it as part of the mass vaccination programme," Oksana Drapkina, director of a research institute under the health ministry, said in a statement. "Based on our observations, it is also more than 90%. The appearance of another effective vaccine - this is good news for everyone," Drapkina said.

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine over 90% effective, says health ministry

Drugmaker Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd on Wednesday rolled out a preliminary timeline for the India trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine candidate, with the late-stage expected to be completed by as early as March 2021.

Chief Executive Officer Erez Israeli said enrolment to the mid-stage trial of the Sputnik-V vaccine will start in the next few weeks and the trial was likely to end by December.

"(Phase 3 trial) can be over as fast as the end of March, but it could go into April or May," Israeli said on a post-earnings press briefing, adding the timeline will depend on the Phase 2 trial results and further approvals from authorities.

With 8 million COVID-19 infections and second only to the United States, India is pinning its hopes on a vaccine to stem the spread of the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-against-covid-19-will-be-tested-on-100-indian-volunteers-337375" hreflang="en">Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers</a>

The ongoing festive season and a state assembly election are seen by healthcare experts as adding to the challenges in containing the outbreak.

The Hyderabad-based company had received renewed approval for late-stage clinical trials in India of the Sputnik-V vaccine earlier this month, after initially signing a deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund in September.

The company expects to enrol 100 participants for the mid-stage trial and 1,500 people for the late-stage.

Shares of the company closed 2.9% lower at 4,951 rupees in a weak Mumbai market after Dr Reddy's reported a 30.3% fall in consolidated net profit after tax from a year earlier. Net sales, however, jumped to 47.77 billion rupees from 39.98 billion rupees a year ago.

The drugmaker, which last week isolated all its data centre services as a preventive measure following a cyberattack, said it was a ransomware attack, but was yet to ascertain if any personal information was accessed.

Drugmaker Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd on Wednesday rolled out a preliminary timeline for the India trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine candidate, with the late-stage expected to be completed by as early as March 2021.

Drugmaker Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd on Wednesday rolled out a preliminary timeline for the India trials of Russia's coronavirus vaccine candidate, with the late-stage expected to be completed by as early as March 2021. Chief Executive Officer Erez Israeli said enrolment to the mid-stage trial of the Sputnik-V vaccine will start in the next few weeks and the trial was likely to end by December. "(Phase 3 trial) can be over as fast as the end of March, but it could go into April or May," Israeli said on a post-earnings press briefing, adding the timeline will depend on the Phase 2 trial results and further approvals from authorities. With 8 million COVID-19 infections and second only to the United States, India is pinning its hopes on a vaccine to stem the spread of the pandemic. Also read: Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers The ongoing festive season and a state assembly election are seen by healthcare experts as adding to the challenges in containing the outbreak. The Hyderabad-based company had received renewed approval for late-stage clinical trials in India of the Sputnik-V vaccine earlier this month, after initially signing a deal with the Russian Direct Investment Fund in September. The company expects to enrol 100 participants for the mid-stage trial and 1,500 people for the late-stage. Shares of the company closed 2.9% lower at 4,951 rupees in a weak Mumbai market after Dr Reddy's reported a 30.3% fall in consolidated net profit after tax from a year earlier. Net sales, however, jumped to 47.77 billion rupees from 39.98 billion rupees a year ago. The drugmaker, which last week isolated all its data centre services as a preventive measure following a cyberattack, said it was a ransomware attack, but was yet to ascertain if any personal information was accessed.

India trials of Russian Sputnik-V vaccine may end as early as March: Dr Reddy's

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company.

Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3.

According to a government official, Dr Reddy`s Lab has stated that in phase 2 clinical trial--"would include 100 subjects and for phase 3, it would take 1400 subjects.

"Once the pharma company would submit the safety and immunogenicity data of phase 2, it would be analysed by the expert panel and then they can proceed for the phase 3 trial," the official added.

On October 13, ANI had reported that Dr Reddy`s Laboratories re-applied fresh protocol to DCGI in order to seek its approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine.It may be noted that on October 5, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) had done a thorough evaluation of the previous application submitted by Dr Reddy`s lab.&nbsp;

Thereafter, the SEC had directed the pharma company to apply with a revised protocol along with more information. The Indian drugmaker has joined hands with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine as well as its distribution. As per the RDIF, it will supply 100 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine to India drug company Dr Reddy`s Lab.

Last month, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO, RDIF informed that Russia is in close dialogue with the Indian government and drug manufacturers of India regarding localisation of production of its Sputnik V vaccine in India.

Also, a prestigious medical journal The Lancet had published the results of clinical trials of Phase I-II of the Russian vaccine demonstrating its safety and efficacy.On August 11, the Sputnik V vaccine candidate developed jointly by RDIF and the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia and became the world`s first registered vaccine against COVID-19.According to Russian researchers, Sputnik V is a human adenoviral vector vaccine that fights against coronavirus disease.

(With PTI inputs)

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard.

Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine against coronavirus will be tested on 100 volunteers in India. Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation`s Drug Controller General (DCGI) was quoted by Sputnik News in this regard. Dr Reddy's Laboratories has been granted permission to conduct the tests. Date and time of the tests however, will be determined by the company. Sputnik quoted the organisation as saying that the vaccine will be tested in the second phase of its clinical trials before moving on to phase 3. According to a government official, Dr Reddy`s Lab has stated that in phase 2 clinical trial--"would include 100 subjects and for phase 3, it would take 1400 subjects. "Once the pharma company would submit the safety and immunogenicity data of phase 2, it would be analysed by the expert panel and then they can proceed for the phase 3 trial," the official added. On October 13, ANI had reported that Dr Reddy`s Laboratories re-applied fresh protocol to DCGI in order to seek its approval for conducting phase 2 and 3 clinical trials of the Russian COVID-19 vaccine.It may be noted that on October 5, the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) had done a thorough evaluation of the previous application submitted by Dr Reddy`s lab. Thereafter, the SEC had directed the pharma company to apply with a revised protocol along with more information. The Indian drugmaker has joined hands with the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) to conduct clinical trials of the Sputnik V vaccine as well as its distribution. As per the RDIF, it will supply 100 million doses of its potential COVID-19 vaccine to India drug company Dr Reddy`s Lab. Last month, Kirill Dmitriev, CEO, RDIF informed that Russia is in close dialogue with the Indian government and drug manufacturers of India regarding localisation of production of its Sputnik V vaccine in India. Also, a prestigious medical journal The Lancet had published the results of clinical trials of Phase I-II of the Russian vaccine demonstrating its safety and efficacy.On August 11, the Sputnik V vaccine candidate developed jointly by RDIF and the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology was registered by the Ministry of Health of Russia and became the world`s first registered vaccine against COVID-19.According to Russian researchers, Sputnik V is a human adenoviral vector vaccine that fights against coronavirus disease. (With PTI inputs)

Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 will be tested on 100 Indian volunteers

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, which is being marketed as world's first coronavirus vaccine, has received a green signal from the Indian authorities to begin clinical trials in the country.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to&nbsp;Dr Reddy's, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in India, to conduct phase 2 and 3 clinical human trials of the Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine.

Dr. Reddy's has partnered up with&nbsp;Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on September 16 to carry out clinical trials and distribution of the Russian vaccine in India.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-spreads-fake-news-about-oxfords-covid-19-vaccine-claims-it-turns-humans-into-monkeys-335768">Also read:&nbsp;Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys</a>

Co-chairman and Managing Director of Dr Reddy's Laboratories G.V. Prasad in a statement said "This is a significant development that allows us to commence the clinical trials in India and we are committed to bringing in a safe and efficacious vaccine to combat the pandemic."

"On regulatory approval in India, RDIF shall supply to Dr Reddy`s 100 million doses of the vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine, which is based on well-studied human adenoviral vector platform with proven safety, is undergoing clinical trials for the coronavirus pandemic," a statement from the Russian fund had earlier stated.

As of now, the authorities are hoping that the deliveries of the vaccine could begin towards the end of 2020.&nbsp;"The agreement between RDIF and Dr Reddy`s reflects the growing awareness of countries and organisations to have a diversified anti-COVID vaccine portfolio to protect their populations," RDIF added.

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, which is being marketed as world's first coronavirus vaccine, has received a green signal from the Indian authorities to begin clinical trials in the country.

Russia's COVID-19 vaccine, which is being marketed as world's first coronavirus vaccine, has received a green signal from the Indian authorities to begin clinical trials in the country. The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has given approval to Dr Reddy's, a global pharmaceutical company headquartered in India, to conduct phase 2 and 3 clinical human trials of the Sputnik V, the Russian vaccine. Dr. Reddy's has partnered up with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) on September 16 to carry out clinical trials and distribution of the Russian vaccine in India. Also read: Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys Co-chairman and Managing Director of Dr Reddy's Laboratories G.V. Prasad in a statement said "This is a significant development that allows us to commence the clinical trials in India and we are committed to bringing in a safe and efficacious vaccine to combat the pandemic." "On regulatory approval in India, RDIF shall supply to Dr Reddy`s 100 million doses of the vaccine. The Sputnik V vaccine, which is based on well-studied human adenoviral vector platform with proven safety, is undergoing clinical trials for the coronavirus pandemic," a statement from the Russian fund had earlier stated. As of now, the authorities are hoping that the deliveries of the vaccine could begin towards the end of 2020. "The agreement between RDIF and Dr Reddy`s reflects the growing awareness of countries and organisations to have a diversified anti-COVID vaccine portfolio to protect their populations," RDIF added.

COVID-19: Russia's Sputnik V gets go ahead for clinical trials in India

As the world is trying to fight the novel coronavirus, authorities are also warning people against fake news and misinformation. However, a campaign in Russia is taking a jibe at the Oxford Univeristy's possible vaccine, and the campaign is taking the nation by storm.

The campaign started in Russia is trying to discredit the coronavirus vacine being developed by the scientists at the Oxford University. The aim of this campaign is to spread fear about the vaccine by claiming that the people who use this vaccine will turn into apes because the scientists have reportedly used 'chimpanzee virus'.

Russian social media saw wide spread of images and videos that suggested that the UK vaccine would be dangerous. Some of these images were also shown on the Russian TV&nbsp;programme Vesti News — which is lauded as the equivalent of the UK's popular channel BBC's show Newsnight.

One of the most popular images that took over the internet is of the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson walking near the Downing Street, but instead of Johnson's face, a face of an ape has been placed and the picture was captioned,&nbsp; "I like my bigfoot vaccine".
<img alt="Boris Johnson" data-align="left" data-caption="The image of Boris Johnson was played with and the caption read, &quot;I like my bigfoot vaccine&quot;." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d7dfce3-9706-4ba8-ac5c-977446ada746" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Boris%20Johnson.jpg" />
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The images also made fun of the&nbsp;pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, the company which is manufacturing the vaccine, by showing a&nbsp;chimpanzee in a lab coat working in&nbsp;AstraZeneca's laboratory.

Another image showed humans lining up outside an AstraZeneca tent, and apes and&nbsp;chimpanzees leaving the tent from the other side. The popular 'Uncle Sam' too was featured in one of these images with a message saying, "I want you – to take the monkey vaccine."

These images are being studied as a crude retaliation and a desperate try to harm all other vaccines who are competing against Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, that is being marketed as world's first COVID-19 vaccine.

The authorities at the Oxford University and AstraZeneca have voiced their disappointment and concern towards such malicious attempts to defame the vaccine.

Professor Pollard, who is professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity at the University of Oxford, told BBC Radio Four's programme, "In this context we are in at the moment, any misinformation, where we are trying to think of an intervention that we can have in the future to help the pandemic, whether they are treatments or vaccine, anything that undermines that could be extremely dangerous.

"The type vaccine we have is very very similar to a number of other vaccines, including the Russian vaccine, all of which use the Common Cold virus from humans or from chimpanzees.

"To our bodies, the viruses look the same.

"We don't actually have any chimpanzees involved at all in the process of making the vaccine, because it is all about the virus, rather than animals it might more commonly infect," he concluded.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;AstraZeneca's chief executive Pascal Soriot also condemned these fake campaigns and said, "Scientists at AstraZeneca and at many other companies and institutions around the world are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine and therapeutic treatments to defeat this virus. But it is independent experts and regulatory agencies across the world that ultimately decide if a vaccine is safe and effective before it is approved for use. Misinformation is a clear risk to public health."

He urged people to "use reliable sources of information, to trust regulatory agencies and to remember the enormous benefit vaccines and medicines continue to bring to humanity."

The campaign started a month ago when a volunteer in the Oxford vaccine;s trial fell ill, and the trial was halted for a bit. However, an insider has told the western media that the aim of this campaign was simply to spread these images on the western media and social media platforms.

However, a spokesperson for the Russian embassy told The Times, "The suggestion that the Russian state may conduct any kind of propaganda against the Astrazeneca vaccine is itself an example of disinformation.

"It is obviously aimed at discrediting Russia's efforts in combating the pandemic, including the good cooperation we have established with the UK in this field."

As the world is trying to fight the novel coronavirus, authorities are also warning people against fake news and misinformation. However, a campaign in Russia is taking a jibe at the Oxford Univeristy's possible vaccine, and the campaign is taking the nation by storm.

As the world is trying to fight the novel coronavirus, authorities are also warning people against fake news and misinformation. However, a campaign in Russia is taking a jibe at the Oxford Univeristy's possible vaccine, and the campaign is taking the nation by storm. The campaign started in Russia is trying to discredit the coronavirus vacine being developed by the scientists at the Oxford University. The aim of this campaign is to spread fear about the vaccine by claiming that the people who use this vaccine will turn into apes because the scientists have reportedly used 'chimpanzee virus'. Russian social media saw wide spread of images and videos that suggested that the UK vaccine would be dangerous. Some of these images were also shown on the Russian TV programme Vesti News — which is lauded as the equivalent of the UK's popular channel BBC's show Newsnight. One of the most popular images that took over the internet is of the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson walking near the Downing Street, but instead of Johnson's face, a face of an ape has been placed and the picture was captioned, "I like my bigfoot vaccine". The images also made fun of the pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, the company which is manufacturing the vaccine, by showing a chimpanzee in a lab coat working in AstraZeneca's laboratory. Another image showed humans lining up outside an AstraZeneca tent, and apes and chimpanzees leaving the tent from the other side. The popular 'Uncle Sam' too was featured in one of these images with a message saying, "I want you – to take the monkey vaccine." These images are being studied as a crude retaliation and a desperate try to harm all other vaccines who are competing against Russia's Sputnik V vaccine, that is being marketed as world's first COVID-19 vaccine. The authorities at the Oxford University and AstraZeneca have voiced their disappointment and concern towards such malicious attempts to defame the vaccine. Professor Pollard, who is professor of Paediatric Infection and Immunity at the University of Oxford, told BBC Radio Four's programme, "In this context we are in at the moment, any misinformation, where we are trying to think of an intervention that we can have in the future to help the pandemic, whether they are treatments or vaccine, anything that undermines that could be extremely dangerous. "The type vaccine we have is very very similar to a number of other vaccines, including the Russian vaccine, all of which use the Common Cold virus from humans or from chimpanzees. "To our bodies, the viruses look the same. "We don't actually have any chimpanzees involved at all in the process of making the vaccine, because it is all about the virus, rather than animals it might more commonly infect," he concluded. Meanwhile, AstraZeneca's chief executive Pascal Soriot also condemned these fake campaigns and said, "Scientists at AstraZeneca and at many other companies and institutions around the world are working tirelessly to develop a vaccine and therapeutic treatments to defeat this virus. But it is independent experts and regulatory agencies across the world that ultimately decide if a vaccine is safe and effective before it is approved for use. Misinformation is a clear risk to public health." He urged people to "use reliable sources of information, to trust regulatory agencies and to remember the enormous benefit vaccines and medicines continue to bring to humanity." The campaign started a month ago when a volunteer in the Oxford vaccine;s trial fell ill, and the trial was halted for a bit. However, an insider has told the western media that the aim of this campaign was simply to spread these images on the western media and social media platforms. However, a spokesperson for the Russian embassy told The Times, "The suggestion that the Russian state may conduct any kind of propaganda against the Astrazeneca vaccine is itself an example of disinformation. "It is obviously aimed at discrediting Russia's efforts in combating the pandemic, including the good cooperation we have established with the UK in this field."

Russia spreads fake news about Oxford's COVID-19 vaccine; claims it turns humans into monkeys

Russia has given regulatory approval to a second Covid-19 vaccine, named ‘EpiVacCorona’, after early-stage studies. The new coronavirus vaccine comes two months after a similar move for Russia’s first vaccine Sputnik V prompted widespread criticism from scientists both at home and abroad.

Coronavirus pandemic: New COVID-19 vaccine developed by Russia's vector institute

Coronavirus Pandemic: Russia registers new COVID-19 vaccine as cases hit record high

India's drug regulator has knocked back a proposal from Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd&nbsp;to conduct a large study in the country to evaluate Russia's Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine and has asked it to first test the vaccine in a smaller trial.

The recommendations by an expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) noted that safety and immunogenicity data from early-stage studies being conducted overseas is small, with no inputs available on Indian participants.

India's move comes as a setback for Russia's plan to roll-out the vaccine even before full trials show how well it works, while pushing back its efforts to win approval for the vaccine in the country that leads the world on average number of new infections.

India is expected to overtake the United States over the next several weeks as the country with the world's largest number of cases.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is marketing the Sputnik V, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories last month announced their partnership to run clinical trials and distribute the vaccine in India.

Russia was the first country to grant regulatory approval for a novel coronavirus vaccine, and did so before large-scale trials were complete, stirring concerns among scientists and doctors about the safety and efficacy of the shot.

RDIF and Dr. Reddy's did not immediately reply to Reuters' requests for comment outside business hours.

 
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India's drug regulator has knocked back a proposal from Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd to conduct a large study in the country to evaluate Russia's Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine and has asked it to first test the vaccine in a smaller trial.

India's drug regulator has knocked back a proposal from Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd to conduct a large study in the country to evaluate Russia's Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine and has asked it to first test the vaccine in a smaller trial. The recommendations by an expert panel of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) noted that safety and immunogenicity data from early-stage studies being conducted overseas is small, with no inputs available on Indian participants. India's move comes as a setback for Russia's plan to roll-out the vaccine even before full trials show how well it works, while pushing back its efforts to win approval for the vaccine in the country that leads the world on average number of new infections. India is expected to overtake the United States over the next several weeks as the country with the world's largest number of cases. The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which is marketing the Sputnik V, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories last month announced their partnership to run clinical trials and distribute the vaccine in India. Russia was the first country to grant regulatory approval for a novel coronavirus vaccine, and did so before large-scale trials were complete, stirring concerns among scientists and doctors about the safety and efficacy of the shot. RDIF and Dr. Reddy's did not immediately reply to Reuters' requests for comment outside business hours.

India declines proposal to test Sputnik-V COVID-19 vaccine in large study

Russian journalists working for two state-owned media outlets are among the first to be offered the new Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine outside of the framework of a clinical trial.

The measure comes after&nbsp;Russian Deputy Communications Minister Alexei Volin noted that&nbsp;journalists are a part of&nbsp;a ''high risk group'' that are contracting the novel virus.

Russia&nbsp;began vaccinating members of the general public seen at high risk of coronavirus infection earlier this month, while separately launching a large-scale trial. So far about 400 people have received the jabs under that scheme, the health ministry said this week.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-want-to-know-about-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-sputnik-v-319775">All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V'</a>

The government last month published a list of jobs considered high risk, which included health workers, journalists and teachers.

With hundreds of potential COVID-19 vaccines in various stages of development around the world,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;was the first country to license its vaccine for public use and alongside China has been deploying the shots before full efficacy trials are complete.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-second-covid-19-vaccine-trials-complete-epivaccorona-331610/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-russia-these-covid-19-vaccines-set-to-unveil-soon-319760">After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon!</a>

Two journalists at the state-run RIA news agency and two at the&nbsp;Russian state television holding company VGTRK, which operates&nbsp;Russia-1 and&nbsp;Russia-24 news channels, said they had been offered a COVID-19 shot on a voluntary basis.

One of the RIA journalists said his impression was that the majority of his colleagues had declined the offer. One of the VGTRK journalists also said many of his colleagues declined.

The RIA news agency confirmed the inoculation program. "We granted employees who constantly work from the office (not remotely), at events, and in the field, the option to receive a Sputnik V vaccination," it said in a statement.

RIA did not say how many employees received the vaccine and VGTRK did not respond to a request for comment. Both companies employ hundreds of people.

At RIA and VGTRK headquarters in Moscow, media workers who spoke to Reuters said they had a basic medical check-up and coronavirus PCR and antibody tests.

In an interview, the chief scientist behind the vaccine's development said people vaccinated outside of a trial undergo a less rigorous medical examination, though they can submit additional health data via an online platform.

At the time of its registration, the vaccine had been tested officially on fewer than 100 volunteers as part of early-stage clinical trials. Late stage trials began last month, with the first volunteer of a 40,000-strong cohort vaccinated on September&nbsp;9.

Russian journalists working for two state-owned media outlets are among the first to be offered the new Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine outside of the framework of a clinical trial.

Russian journalists working for two state-owned media outlets are among the first to be offered the new Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine outside of the framework of a clinical trial. The measure comes after Russian Deputy Communications Minister Alexei Volin noted that journalists are a part of a ''high risk group'' that are contracting the novel virus. Russia began vaccinating members of the general public seen at high risk of coronavirus infection earlier this month, while separately launching a large-scale trial. So far about 400 people have received the jabs under that scheme, the health ministry said this week. Also see: All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V' The government last month published a list of jobs considered high risk, which included health workers, journalists and teachers. With hundreds of potential COVID-19 vaccines in various stages of development around the world, Russia was the first country to license its vaccine for public use and alongside China has been deploying the shots before full efficacy trials are complete. Also see: After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon! Two journalists at the state-run RIA news agency and two at the Russian state television holding company VGTRK, which operates Russia-1 and Russia-24 news channels, said they had been offered a COVID-19 shot on a voluntary basis. One of the RIA journalists said his impression was that the majority of his colleagues had declined the offer. One of the VGTRK journalists also said many of his colleagues declined. The RIA news agency confirmed the inoculation program. "We granted employees who constantly work from the office (not remotely), at events, and in the field, the option to receive a Sputnik V vaccination," it said in a statement. RIA did not say how many employees received the vaccine and VGTRK did not respond to a request for comment. Both companies employ hundreds of people. At RIA and VGTRK headquarters in Moscow, media workers who spoke to Reuters said they had a basic medical check-up and coronavirus PCR and antibody tests. In an interview, the chief scientist behind the vaccine's development said people vaccinated outside of a trial undergo a less rigorous medical examination, though they can submit additional health data via an online platform. At the time of its registration, the vaccine had been tested officially on fewer than 100 volunteers as part of early-stage clinical trials. Late stage trials began last month, with the first volunteer of a 40,000-strong cohort vaccinated on September 9.

Russian state journalists among first to receive Sputnik V vaccine

Russia plans to share preliminary results of its COVID-19 vaccine trial based on the first six weeks of monitoring participants, raising the tempo in an already frenzied global race to end the pandemic.

Alexander Gintsburg, head of the Gamaleya Institute that produced the Sputnik V vaccine, told Reuters that the pace of its development was necessary under the "wartime" conditions of a pandemic but no corners were being cut.

Russia has pushed ahead with its potential COVID-19 vaccine at top speed with mass public vaccinations alongside the main human trial, raising concerns among some observers that it was prioritising national prestige over solid science and safety.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-want-to-know-about-russias-coronavirus-vaccine-sputnik-v-319775">All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V'</a>

"People are dying just like during a war," said Gintsburg, holding a crystal model of a coronavirus in his hand. "But this fast-tracked pace is not synonymous, as some media have suggested, with corners being cut. No way."

Sitting in his wood-panelled office at the institute in Moscow, Gintsburg said his team had been set a tight deadline to produce a vaccine but all the guidelines for testing Sputnik V's safety and efficacy had been followed.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-russia-these-covid-19-vaccines-set-to-unveil-soon-319760">After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon!</a>

The plan to publish interim results based on the first 42 days of monitoring volunteers means Russia has a high chance of becoming the first worldwide to announce any data from a final-stage trial, which is known as Phase III.

The first of 5,000 volunteers was vaccinated on Sept. 9, which means interim results could be issued some time after Oct. 21. Russia's sovereign wealth fund, which has invested in the vaccine's roll-out, has said it expects interim results to be published in October or November.

PUBLIC INTEREST

Several Western developers are conducting final-stage trials that have already been going on for more than 42 days but have not published any interim results.

Drugmakers have said they would wait until they have enough infections to get a reliable read-out from the data before publication, rather than assigning a specific date.

Gintsburg said there was a public interest argument for sharing interim results after 42 days as they would show the general trend in the data.

"For me, for example, it is too short. But for people who are interested in how things are going, it is already too long."

Gintsburg said volunteers would be monitored for 180 days after the last of 40,000 participants was vaccinated. Six months on, his team planned to tally up final results and then publish them in an international journal.

Their early-stage trial results were peer-reviewed and published in The Lancet.

In parallel with the trial, Russia began inoculating members of the general public considered at high risk on Sept. 8, another unconventional move by Moscow in the race for a vaccine.

About 400 people have been inoculated so far, according to the health ministry. They undergo a less rigorous medical exam than trial volunteers, though they can submit data about their health following inoculation via an online platform.

A government source told Reuters the interim Phase III trial results would likely inform a decision on whether to expand this mass inoculation drive, starting with people over 60.

RUSSIAN ROULETTE

Gintsburg said no serious side-effects had been reported during the Phase III trial so far, while minor, anticipated side-effects had occurred among just 14 per cent&nbsp;to 15 per cent&nbsp;of the volunteers. A quarter of the participants receive a placebo.

He also defended the vaccine's early registration for public use, saying it was the most ethical approach.

"The choice was between giving people the opportunity to protect themselves, or letting them play roulette with this deadly infection."

He also said Russia was aiming for the vaccine to be about 75 per cent&nbsp;more effective than a placebo, which is above the 50 per cent&nbsp;threshold for COVID-19 vaccines set by the US&nbsp;Food and Drug Administration.

Gintsburg said having 40,000 trial participants meant the trial would be effective even with low levels of COVID-19 transmission in the Russian capital.

"It guarantees that even with a low infection rate, we would still have statistically significant data."

Moscow registered 642 new cases of COVID-19 the day the trial began. The infection rate has risen since, with 2,217 new cases on Monday, though that's still well below a peak of around 6,000 daily infections in the capital in early May.

Other vaccine-makers have launched mass trials in countries such as Brazil, South Africa and the United States, searching for places where the disease is still rife after the epidemic came down from its peak in Europe.

Russia also plans to test in several countries, including Belarus, Brazil and India.

IMPOSSIBLE AND UNETHICAL

Drugmakers have also pledged to ensure their larger clinical trials include diverse sets of volunteers in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, age and other factors.

Russia is setting Phase III quotas by age to ensure a sufficient number of elderly participants, Gintsburg said, but no other special groups were being formed. Over a fifth of those vaccinated in the trial so far have been over 50, he said.

The rate of transmission among trial participants affects the timing of when many vaccine-makers plan to publish interim results as they need to record a certain number of COVID-19 infections before early data can be shared.

British drugmaker AstraZeneca&nbsp;launched a Phase III trial for its vaccine in May and has not yet disclosed any trends.

US&nbsp;pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, which is developing a vaccine with German partner BioNTech, and US&nbsp;vaccine maker Moderna both began their trials in late July. Neither has made any preliminary disclosures yet.

BioNTech has said it may have data for a regulatory filing by the end of October or early November.

In a bid to speed up the process of finding a vaccine, Britain is planning to host trials where volunteers are deliberately infected with COVID-19.

Gintsburg said this kind of trial was impossible in Russia and considered unethical: "We were surprised by the news."

Russia plans to share preliminary results of its COVID-19 vaccine trial based on the first six weeks of monitoring participants, raising the tempo in an already frenzied global race to end the pandemic.

Russia plans to share preliminary results of its COVID-19 vaccine trial based on the first six weeks of monitoring participants, raising the tempo in an already frenzied global race to end the pandemic. Alexander Gintsburg, head of the Gamaleya Institute that produced the Sputnik V vaccine, told Reuters that the pace of its development was necessary under the "wartime" conditions of a pandemic but no corners were being cut. Russia has pushed ahead with its potential COVID-19 vaccine at top speed with mass public vaccinations alongside the main human trial, raising concerns among some observers that it was prioritising national prestige over solid science and safety. Also see: All you want to know about Russia's coronavirus vaccine 'Sputnik V' "People are dying just like during a war," said Gintsburg, holding a crystal model of a coronavirus in his hand. "But this fast-tracked pace is not synonymous, as some media have suggested, with corners being cut. No way." Sitting in his wood-panelled office at the institute in Moscow, Gintsburg said his team had been set a tight deadline to produce a vaccine but all the guidelines for testing Sputnik V's safety and efficacy had been followed. Also see: After Russia, these COVID-19 vaccines set to unveil soon! The plan to publish interim results based on the first 42 days of monitoring volunteers means Russia has a high chance of becoming the first worldwide to announce any data from a final-stage trial, which is known as Phase III. The first of 5,000 volunteers was vaccinated on Sept. 9, which means interim results could be issued some time after Oct. 21. Russia's sovereign wealth fund, which has invested in the vaccine's roll-out, has said it expects interim results to be published in October or November. PUBLIC INTEREST Several Western developers are conducting final-stage trials that have already been going on for more than 42 days but have not published any interim results. Drugmakers have said they would wait until they have enough infections to get a reliable read-out from the data before publication, rather than assigning a specific date. Gintsburg said there was a public interest argument for sharing interim results after 42 days as they would show the general trend in the data. "For me, for example, it is too short. But for people who are interested in how things are going, it is already too long." Gintsburg said volunteers would be monitored for 180 days after the last of 40,000 participants was vaccinated. Six months on, his team planned to tally up final results and then publish them in an international journal. Their early-stage trial results were peer-reviewed and published in The Lancet. In parallel with the trial, Russia began inoculating members of the general public considered at high risk on Sept. 8, another unconventional move by Moscow in the race for a vaccine. About 400 people have been inoculated so far, according to the health ministry. They undergo a less rigorous medical exam than trial volunteers, though they can submit data about their health following inoculation via an online platform. A government source told Reuters the interim Phase III trial results would likely inform a decision on whether to expand this mass inoculation drive, starting with people over 60. RUSSIAN ROULETTE Gintsburg said no serious side-effects had been reported during the Phase III trial so far, while minor, anticipated side-effects had occurred among just 14 per cent to 15 per cent of the volunteers. A quarter of the participants receive a placebo. He also defended the vaccine's early registration for public use, saying it was the most ethical approach. "The choice was between giving people the opportunity to protect themselves, or letting them play roulette with this deadly infection." He also said Russia was aiming for the vaccine to be about 75 per cent more effective than a placebo, which is above the 50 per cent threshold for COVID-19 vaccines set by the US Food and Drug Administration. Gintsburg said having 40,000 trial participants meant the trial would be effective even with low levels of COVID-19 transmission in the Russian capital. "It guarantees that even with a low infection rate, we would still have statistically significant data." Moscow registered 642 new cases of COVID-19 the day the trial began. The infection rate has risen since, with 2,217 new cases on Monday, though that's still well below a peak of around 6,000 daily infections in the capital in early May. Other vaccine-makers have launched mass trials in countries such as Brazil, South Africa and the United States, searching for places where the disease is still rife after the epidemic came down from its peak in Europe. Russia also plans to test in several countries, including Belarus, Brazil and India. IMPOSSIBLE AND UNETHICAL Drugmakers have also pledged to ensure their larger clinical trials include diverse sets of volunteers in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, age and other factors. Russia is setting Phase III quotas by age to ensure a sufficient number of elderly participants, Gintsburg said, but no other special groups were being formed. Over a fifth of those vaccinated in the trial so far have been over 50, he said. The rate of transmission among trial participants affects the timing of when many vaccine-makers plan to publish interim results as they need to record a certain number of COVID-19 infections before early data can be shared. British drugmaker AstraZeneca launched a Phase III trial for its vaccine in May and has not yet disclosed any trends. US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, which is developing a vaccine with German partner BioNTech, and US vaccine maker Moderna both began their trials in late July. Neither has made any preliminary disclosures yet. BioNTech has said it may have data for a regulatory filing by the end of October or early November. In a bid to speed up the process of finding a vaccine, Britain is planning to host trials where volunteers are deliberately infected with COVID-19. Gintsburg said this kind of trial was impossible in Russia and considered unethical: "We were surprised by the news."

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Russia's sovereign wealth fund said on Wednesday it will supply India's Dr. Reddy's Laboratories with 100 million doses of the Sputnik-V vaccine against COVID-19 once it receives regulatory approval in India.

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According to the health ministry, the delivery of the first batches of the Russian vaccine to the country’s regions is planned in the nearest future.

First batch of Sputnik V vaccine released for public

The Russian Health Ministry has said that the first batch regarding the Sputnik V antibody against the deadly coronavirus, has been delivered into common course, local deliveries are planned in the near&nbsp;future. 
 
The vaccine was created by Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). 
 
According to a statement issued by the Russian government "The first batch of the 'Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation,". 
 
The preliminary results published in The Lancet journal on Friday revealed that the COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved by Russia last month, has been shown to elicit antibody response with no serious adverse events in small human trials.&nbsp;

Results from early-phase non-randomised vaccine trials in a total of 76 people show that two formulations of the vaccine have a good safety profile detected over 42 days, and induce antibody responses in all participants within 21 days.

The Russian ministry of health enrolled the main antibody against COVID-19, named Sputnik V, on August 11.&nbsp;

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin communicated trust on Sunday that most of the Russian capital's occupants will be immunized against the Covid within a few months.

As indicated by the ministry, the conveyance of the primary group of the Russian immunization to the nation's locales is arranged in the closest future.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian Health Ministry has said that the first batch regarding the Sputnik V antibody against the deadly coronavirus, has been delivered into common course, local deliveries are planned in the near future.

The Russian Health Ministry has said that the first batch regarding the Sputnik V antibody against the deadly coronavirus, has been delivered into common course, local deliveries are planned in the near future. The vaccine was created by Russia's Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). According to a statement issued by the Russian government "The first batch of the 'Gam-COVID-Vac' (Sputnik V) vaccine for the prevention of the new coronavirus infection, developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of Russia, has passed the necessary quality tests in the laboratories of Roszdravnadzor (medical device regulator) and has been released into civil circulation,". The preliminary results published in The Lancet journal on Friday revealed that the COVID-19 vaccine, which was approved by Russia last month, has been shown to elicit antibody response with no serious adverse events in small human trials. Results from early-phase non-randomised vaccine trials in a total of 76 people show that two formulations of the vaccine have a good safety profile detected over 42 days, and induce antibody responses in all participants within 21 days. The Russian ministry of health enrolled the main antibody against COVID-19, named Sputnik V, on August 11. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin communicated trust on Sunday that most of the Russian capital's occupants will be immunized against the Covid within a few months. As indicated by the ministry, the conveyance of the primary group of the Russian immunization to the nation's locales is arranged in the closest future. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia releases first batch of Covid-19 vaccine Sputnik V into public

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