Venezuela Starts Clinical Trials for Russian Vaccine... Maduro Says "My Son Also Participating in Trials"

Difficulty Finding Clinical Trial Volunteers Amid Safety Concerns
Maduro Emphasizes "Son and Sister Participating as Clinical Trial Subjects"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Venezuelan government announced that clinical trials for the Russian-developed 'Sputnik V' vaccine have begun, drawing attention as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro revealed that his own son is participating in the trials. This statement is interpreted as a response to concerns over the vaccine's safety.

According to Russia's TASS news agency, on the 14th (local time), the Venezuelan government stated that clinical trials for the Sputnik V vaccine, developed by Russia's state-run Gamaleya Institute, have commenced and that volunteers for the trials are being recruited. President Maduro emphasized during a briefing, "The Russian vaccine has already arrived in Venezuela and clinical trials have started. We are selecting 2,000 volunteers to participate in the trials," adding, "My son and sister are also participating in the trials."

President Maduro said, "Not only the Russian vaccine but also the Chinese vaccine will begin mass vaccinations after Phase 3 clinical trials are completed and receive approval from the World Health Organization (WHO)." He added, "Vaccinations are expected to start from April next year, but I have heard it could be earlier." The Venezuelan government is reportedly planning to produce the Sputnik V vaccine domestically in the future.

However, concerns about the safety of the Sputnik V vaccine are growing even within Venezuela, and difficulties in recruiting volunteers are anticipated. The Sputnik V vaccine was approved without completing all clinical phases, as Phase 3 trials were skipped after Phase 1 and 2 trials involving 38 people in Russia. Subsequently, it became embroiled in safety controversies, and Phase 3 trials are currently underway involving 40,000 Moscow residents. At the time of the vaccine's release, Russian President Vladimir Putin explained its safety by stating that his own daughter participated as a clinical trial subject.

The Russian government welcomed Venezuela's decision and expressed confidence in the vaccine's safety. The Russian Ministry of Health emphasized, "This vaccine is based on a well-known platform that has been used in many vaccines," adding, "It is expected to provide long-term immunity for up to two years."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.