The first registered
vaccine against COVID-19

The two studies by Logunov and colleagues have several strengths. First, adenoviruses are ubiquitous, so humans might not be immunologically naive. A second strength is the threshold for neutralisation used in the two studies. A third strength is that the vaccine, similar to other before it, induced broad immune responses. Although not specifically discussed, the results imply a T-helper1-cell-weighted response that might be important for vaccine safety, potentially reducing the risk of antibodydependent enhanced disease. A fourth strength was development of two vaccine formulations, frozen and lyophilised. A lyophilised formulation could mean stability within the existing global vaccine refrigerated cold chain that is needed to maintain vaccine efficacy from factory to recipient, a hurdle other vaccines are yet to address. Although more costly to produce at scale, product stability will maximise reach in remote terrain, a must if universal and equitable coverage is to be achieved.

The results of clinical trials of the Russian vaccine Sputnik V have demonstrated impressive results, which have now been recognized by the international medical community. The vaccine has been shown to be safe and effective with no serious side effects identified and uses a proven platform based on human adenoviral vectors, which is currently the safest mechanism for introducing the genetic code of the virus spike into the human body. This approach has been thoroughly studied not only in Russia but also internationally. Russia has a long and successful track record developing vaccines and remains a global leader in this field. We hope that the vaccine will soon become available across the world to help stop the devastating pandemic and enable people to return to normal life.

There are features that make Sputnik V a promising candidate. The idea of using two different adenoviruses as vector is superior over many vaccines in the frontline. Generally, the immune system perceive the vector proteins as antigen similar to the S protein of SARS-CoV-2, so it elicit immune response against those proteins as well. If people are reimmunized (as second dose or repeated vaccine), the pre-existing immunity can compromise the efficacy of second vaccine dose. Using a vector of different nature, as is the in Sputnik V, will avoid this problem.

The data on the Russian vaccine studies reported in the Lancet are encouraging - demonstrating the safety and immunogenicity of the adenovirus-based COVID-19 vaccines.

First I should say to Russian scientists and Russian health professionals is ‘Bravo!’. This technology and scientific approach we perfectly understand and absolutely approve. You have made a real breakthrough in science and in medicine. We are really grateful that you have done a wonderful job. It is remarkable that stable humoral as well as cell-mediated immune response is generated. This is achieved through the use of two different vectors delivering the drug and, at the same time, solving the problem of a possible neutralizing effect on the second injection. The very high efficiency of two selected adenoviruses has been proven. Thus, the platform used by the Gamaleya Institute is the correct platform.
The work done inspires great respect, and the vaccine itself is worthy of study and use.

This is a valuable and effective vaccine that I personally look forward to. I am very interested in the work that Russian researchers have done. I realized that one of the most advanced methods was being used - the adenoviral vector method.

The Government of the State of Bahia, in Brazil, is very pleased with the agreement signed with the Sovereign Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, which will guarantee access to the Sputnik V vaccine for the Brazilian people, as soon as it is approved by the Brazilian national regulatory authorities. As it is a vaccine built using human adenovirus, which is one of the safest and most effective vaccine development platforms in the world, we believe that the results of the ongoing phase 3 clinical trials will confirm the data observed in phases 1 and 2.

We are pleased to partner with RDIF to bring the vaccine to India. The Phase I and II results have shown promise, and we will be conducting Phase-III trials in India to meet the requirements of the Indian regulators. Sputnik V vaccine could provide a credible option in our fight against COVID 19 in India.

Cooperation on the Sputnik V vaccine with RDIF plays an important role. The vaccine was created by Russian scientists based on advanced scientific and clinical research.

I am highly appraised the vaccine against COVID-19, developed by the Gamaleya Center. Let me congratulate your country on the completion of the state registration procedure. Russian adenoviral vaccine is safe and should successfully complete of its clinical trials.

From what I’ve seen out there, they are probably the most promising platform.

There is enough general background data on recombinant adenovirus-based vaccines to assume the vaccine itself will be safe at the usual doses.

Once the efficacy issue is resolved, then the cost would be an important issue. My feeling is that on both these accounts, the Russian vaccine would pass the test.