Russia Might be Registering & Approving First COVID-19 Vaccine By August But No Data Has Been Published Yet

Amidst the ongoing epidemic, one question has constantly remained on everybody’s mind.

When on earth are we going to get a vaccine for this damn thing?

After all, the Covid-19 virus has stayed rampant for ages now. Till when do we have to contend with this sinking feeling, this indescribable instinct that we’ll be at risk the moment we step out of the house?

Truly, it’s a disaster.

Russia Might be Registering & Approving First COVID-19 Vaccine By August But No Data Has Been Published Yet

But light, it seems, may yet be at the end of the tunnel. According to reports, Russia is planning to register a coronavirus vaccine…

And it may happen as early as 10 August to 12 August.

Now, that’s great news!

Or is it?

Apparently, should tests be successful, the vaccine would be the world’s first official instance of an inoculation against the pandemic.

First, as well as the most highly-anticipated release in recent times, I would say with bated breath.

Developed by Moscow’s Gamaleya Institute and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), the drug could allegedly be approved for civilian use within three to seven days of registration by regulators.

But here’s the thing: No data has yet to be published about the vaccine, though its developers have touted it to be safe and possibly the first to reach the public.

So it’s like your uncle saying that he might have found a vaccine but didn’t release any details. Though, of course, Russia is much more trustworthy than your uncle, unless your uncle is Russia.

Phase 3 trials are reportedly set to commence next week in Russia, with an expected duration of months to better understand the drug’s effectiveness.

Initial results from some of the human trials are expected to be seen only from October onwards.

Rolling Out Before Late In The Year

In an interview with state television on Saturday (25 July), Health Minister Mikhail Murashko revealed that the Russian vaccine will be supplemented to health professionals before clinical trials conclude.

Apparently, the vaccine would not be widely available before later on in the year.

Well, as long as we get the vaccine in due time, a few months’ wait isn’t going to hurt. 

Probably.

Meanwhile, it’s reported that researchers and pharmaceutical companies in other countries (including the US, the UK, Japan and China) are also racing against the clock to develop vaccines.

A competitive notion, sure…

But to the majority of the world, it’s a bit of competition that may yet save hundreds of thousands of lives.

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