Russia Says COVID-19 Vaccine Sputnik V 92% Effective in Late-Stage Study

Interim results from a phase 3 study of the Gamaleya Institute’s COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V suggest that it had an efficacy rate of 92% after the second dose, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) announced Wednesday. The data come after 20 confirmed cases of coronavirus were recorded 21 days after the first injection in more than 16,000 participants in the trial.

According to the RDIF, as of November 11, more than 20,000 volunteers have been vaccinated with the first dose of Sputnik V as part of clinical studies, with over 16,000 volunteers receiving the first and the second dose of the vaccine. The RDIF said that the Gamaleya Institute will publish the findings in “leading peer-reviewed medical academic journals” following an independent valuation, adding that once the phase 3 studies are complete, access will be provided to the full clinical trial report.

With regards safety, results showed that there were no unexpected adverse events, with “short-term minor” issues including pain at the injection site and influenza-like symptoms, such as fever, weakness, fatigue and headache.

The RDIF added that in September, Sputnik V was administered to 10,000 people from the “red zones” of Russian hospitals, representing medics and other high-risk groups, with results indicating that the vaccine’s efficacy is more than 90%.