A Russian research laboratory has informed Vladimir Putin that it is ready to test potential vaccines against Covid-19 as early as June on volunteers who have already expressed interest.
- A Russian laboratory would be ready to test a vaccine against Covid-19 as early as June
- There would be less than 7,500 cases of Covid-19 and 58 deaths so far in Russia alone
Russia could well bring the wind of hope that the world needs in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Vektor, a major research center, has told President Vladimir Putin that it stands ready to test vaccines on humans as early as June. They said they have already received more than 300 applications to form a group of volunteers.
From May “if the Ministry of Health authorizes it”
The first test phase should take place at the end of June. “Volunteer groups have already been created“, Rinat Maksioutov, head of the Vektor center, told President Putin during a meeting with the directors of the main Russian research centers. The first phase of clinical trials of three vaccines should take place from June 29 on a sample of 180 volunteers. Rinat Maksioutov adds that the first tests on humans could start as early as May “if the Ministry of Health authorizes it”.
Scientists at the research center, located near the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, have developed prototype vaccines based on six technology platforms. Tests are currently being conducted on mice, rabbits and other animals to determine the most promising prototype by April 30. The Vektor lab conducted covert biological weapons research during the Soviet era and contains samples of various viruses ranging from smallpox to Ebola.
In Russia, officially, the Covid-19 caused less damage than in Europe. Currently, there are 7,497 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 58 people have died from infection. “If we act competently and in an organized and disciplined manner, we will pass this difficult stage in the life of our country with minimal losses”commented Vladimir Putin regarding the global health crisis.
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